
TH 



Class __^/' %%% 

Book _..__ ^. e. L 

(k)pightN"_ 

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



The Veterinary Obstetrical 
Compendium 



For the Farmer and Breeder of Live Stock. 



A Practical Illustrated Treatise on the Delivery of Colts, 
Calves, Lambs, Pig's and Dog-s; Including- the 
Causes, Symptoms, Preventation and Treatment 
of the Diseases and Accidents Incid,ental to 
the Generative Org-ans of the Female 
Parent — also Diseases and Malfor- 
mations of the Young- Animals. 






COMPUTED AND PUBUSHED BY 

/ 
^\^AI.ES E. VAN AME. 

FORT WAYNE, IND. 



copVKiGirrK;). 



THfc L. BRAKY OF 
CONGRESS, 

Two Copies Received 

MAR 2 1903 

i Copyright, Entry 

CLASS CK^i XXc. No. 

COPY B. 



Sttiered according to the Act of Congrese, 

in the year 1903, by 

WAIyES E. VAN AME, 

In the OfiBce of the Librarian of Congress, at 

Washington, D. C. 



» » « , » 



REMARKS 

TO THE BREEDER OF DOMESTICATED 

ANIMALS. 

THE VETERINARY OBSTETRICAL COMPEN- 
DIUM is not limited to labor and the act of delivering of 
the young — certainly one of the mpst important, and yet 
difficult, of all animal functions; for it includes not only 
rules which should be followed in order to remove or 
remedy the material obstacles or accidents which may 
hinder the accomplishment of that act, but likewise embraces 
everything connected with the health and preservation of the 
female parent and the young creature while they are in the 
closest relations with each other before delivery, as well as 
for some time after their disjunction. 

The functions of the Generative System are intimately 
related to and dependent upon each other — a failure or de^ 
feet in one disturbing their relationship, and leading to 
sterility or barrenness or irregularity in reproduction. 
Everything connected with this subject, as well as that which 
terminates with natural or spontaneous labor has been in- 
cluded in this treatise, also the difficulties attending labor 
and delivery, whether they depend upon the mother, or the 
young creature, or upon both, with the means for overcom- 
ing them, and the accidents which may complicate difficult 
labor and delivery. The maladies to which the parent is 
most exposed after delivery, and their medical and surgical 
treatment, as well as the condition, diseases, mjalforma- 
tions and treatment of the young animal after birth and up 
to the time of weaning. 



4 Remarks. 

THE VETERINARY OBSTETRICAL COMPEN- 
DIUM is illustrated throughout with Hfelike illustrations, 
and we consider this work of great practical value, as it is 
written in the plainest language, devoid of all technical 
temis, so all who read can readily understand it. The nec- 
essity for such a guid has been felt more particularly by the 
Stock Raiser and Farmer ; for only too frequently have they 
had to rely upon their own resources, and to painfully ac- 
quire, at their own expense, that knowledge on the subject 
which is so thoroughly illustrated and explained in this 
Veterinary Obstetrical Compendium. For a want of know- 
ledge in giving the proper assistance to their live stock at 
the critical time, the loss to the Stock Owner amounts to an 
enormous sum annually. 

We need not allude to the immense importance of this 
branch of Veterinary Science from an economical point of 
view. The ever-increasing value of nearly all the domes- 
ticated animals, and the necessity for their multiplication 
to supply the demands and meet the requirements of a wide- 
ly extending and rapidly-progressive civiliza'tion, render 
evervthing connected with their reproduction of great mo- 
ment and concern : while to assist creatures in the pangs of 
protracted and difficult labor and delivery, and to prevent or 
abbreviate suffering — in all probability to preserve their life 
— previous to, during, or subsequent to the occurence of 
this physiological act, is no less a duty than it should be a 
source of satisfaction to the Stock Raiser. 

When we consider the vast and yearly increasing 
amount of animal wealth we possess, the great skill, atten- 
tion and expense bestowed on the perfecting of the most 
important of the domesticated animals, which are daily be- 
coming more essential factors in our progressive civiliza- 
tion, it might therefore be stated that everything relating 
to the reproduction and rearing of these creatures must be 
of great interest not only to Breeders and Stock Raisers, 



Remarks. 5 

but to the entire comnnunity. Great loss may be, and far 
too often is, quickly sustained among animals during the 
period which the female who has conceived carries the 
young in her womb up to the time of delivery, during de- 
livery, and after delivery. A treatise which might aid, to 
however small extent, in pointing out how these losses may 
be averted or remedied, must surely, then, prove a welcome 
boon to those who are engaged in breeding and raising 
animals. 






yekeFinapy Ubstefepieal Uen^pendiun^. 



FEMALE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 

The genital organs of the female are much more com- 
plicated than those of the male, because of the far greater 
share they take in the process of generation. They are 
usually described, according to their situation, as external 
and internal. 

These organs may be enumerated as follows : The ex- 
ternal organs consist of the vulva and udder (mammae), 
the internal organs of the vagina, womb, Fallopian tubes, 
and ovaries. These organs will be described in the above 
mentioned order. 

EXTERNAL ORGANS OF GENERATION. 
THE VULVA OF THE MARE. 

THE VULVA is the external orifice of the generative 
organs, which appears as a vertically elongated slit, situated 
beneath the anus, and between the posterior margins of the 
two hind quarters. It presents two thick lips (labia), and 
two angles (Commissures), externally; and internally it 
forms a cavity which is continuous with that of the vagina. 

THE LIPS (labiae vulvae) are usually in contact, and 
they, with the opening which separates them (rimae vulva), 
vary in size according to age and condition. They are 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 7 

slightly prominent and thick, being composed of firm, 
flexible, and elastic tissue, which is covered with a fine, 
smooth skin destitute of hair. Internally, they are covered 
by mucous membrane, a continuation of that lining the 
vagina, and which is constantly lubricated by a greasy 
mucus possessing a special odor, according to the species 
of the animal ; on the free border of the vulva this mem- 
brane and the skin meet. 

THE ANGLES situated at the junction of the lips 




Fig. 1. 
THE GENERATIVE ORGANS OF THE MARE. 
1, Body of the Womb; 2, 2, Horn of the Womb; 3, Vagina; 4, 
Bladder; 5, Rectum; 6, Round Muscle of the Anus; 7, Constrictor 
Muscle of the Vulva; 8, Bulb of Vagina: 9, Ovary and Fringe-like 
prolongations (Fimbriae) of Fallopian Tube; 10, Fallopian Tube; 
11. Kidney; 12. 12, Broad Ligament. 

above and below are the two angles. The upper angle 
(superior commissure) is situated close to the anus, from 
which it is only separated by a narrow space — the (per- 
inaeum). It is very angular. The lower angle (inferior com- 
missure) is obtuse, rounded and more voluminous; it 



8 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

lodges the clitoris which is a small organ, from two to three 
inches in length; its free extremity is enveloped in a 
mucous cap, which is plicated in different directions ; and 
towards the center of this organ is found a cavity con- 
taining sebaceous matter, and which represents that in the 
extremity of the male penis. In every respect the clitoris 
resembles that organ, having a fibrous frame-work, erectile 
tissue, vessels, and a pair of muscles, the(erectores clitoridis). 
This organ is more especially the seat of venereal excitation 
during sexual intercourse (coition). It is present in all the 
domesticated female animals, and is frequently erected while 
they are in ''heat," as well as when in the act of copulation. 
It is abundantly supplied with nerves, which endow it with 
most acute sensibility. 

Toward the termination of pregnancy, the lips or labia 
becomes tumified and soft, the lower angle descends, the 
vulvar opening is enlarged, and from it is discharged a 
quantity of tenacious stringy mucus. In ordinary circum- 
stances the vulva is retracted, and with Mares which have 
foaled several times the lips usually exhibit as many wrinkles 
or folds as parturition has been frequent. 

DIFFERENCES IN THE VULVA OF OTHER 

ANIMALS. 

COW. 
In the Cow the lips of the vulva are larger, softer, and 
thicker than in the Mare, and the lower angle which is pro- 
longed into a curved peak, is furnished with a tuft of hair. 
The clitoris is longer, and more tortuous and slender than in 
the Mare. The same changes occur in the vulva of the Cow 
as in the Mare during heat, and towards the termination of 
pregnancy ; the mucus secretion of the vagina is more abund- 
ant in the Cow, however, and persists longer. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 9 

SHEEP. 

In the Sheep which has not copulated, a filamentary 
band, stretching across the constriction between the urinarv- 
genital canal and the vagina, represents the hymen. And 
the clitoris protrudes immediately within the peak of the 
vulva. 

PIG. 

In the Pig, the upper angle of the vulva is still more 
acute and pointed than in the Cow and Ruminants in 
general. The clitoris is comparatively small. 

BITCH AND CAT. 
In the Bitch the vulva is triangular, and the lower angle 
is acute. The clitoris is a small tubercle. In the Cat a 
small cartilage or bone exists in the clitoris ; this is not found 
in any of the other domesticated animals. 



THE PERINAEUM. 

THE PERINAEUM is the name given to the space be- 
tween the upper angle of the vulva and the lower margin 
of the anus. Its length varies in different species, and in 
different sized animals of the same species ; but it is shorter 
in creatures which have produced young than in those which 
have not. Externally it presents a smooth, fine, and very 
elastic skin, with the vertical prominent line passing down 
its middle — called the 'raphe," beneath this are fatty tissue, 
various muscles, bloodvessels, and nerves. 



THE BULB. 

The internal limits of the vulva are defined by the bulb, 
which forms a marked prominence in early life, but tends 
to disappear in relaxed folds after the animal has brought 
forth young several times. The dimensions of this aperture 
are rather adapted for the passage of the young than the 



10 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

penis; though its narrowness is sometimes an obstacle to 
the delivery of the young. The head, body or limbs of the 
young are at times arrested at the upper angle, which they 
so distend as to threaten laceration of the perinaeum. In 
emaciated animals, and particularly Mares, the vulva is 
deeply retracted, and consequently disposes them to be in- 
jured in this region during copulation, by the accidental 
introduction of the male organ into the anus — the mechan- 
ical action of which damages, and may even rupture, the 
rectum, which occurrence has terminated in the death of 
Mares. 



THE UDDER (MAMM.E) OF THE MARE. 

THE UDDER is composed of glands destined to secrete 
the fluid — milk — which is to nourish the young animal for 
some time after birth. In early life the udder is rudimen- 
tary, but becomes developed with age, and attains its full 
dimension when the female is capable of reproduction ; and 
especially at the full period of gestation, when its function 
is about to be carried on actively. After the delivery of the 
young, the largest development of the udder is reached, 
and when the young creature has completed its term of 
sucking, the udder becomes inactive and diminishes consid- 
erably in size. The Mare has two udders, which are placed 
beside each other, about nine inches in front of the vulva, 
where they take the place of the scrotum in the male. Ex- 
ternally they appear as two hemispherical masses, separated 
by a shallow furrow ; each has in its center a conical, slightly 
flattened prolongation named the teat or nipple, which is 
perforated by several orifices from which the milk escapes, 
and by which the voung creature obtains that fluid by suc- 
tion. The glands of the udders are retained in their position 
by the fine, thin skin covering them, which is destitute of 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 1 1 

hair at the extremity of the teats, though elsewhere pro- 
vided with a soft, short down. 

The milk reservoirs (galactophorous sinuses) are situated 
slig-htly above the base of the teat, and are generally two in 
number — one in front, the other behind; though there are 
sometimes three, and even four. These reservoirs nearly 
always communicate with each other, and are prolonged into 
the teat by a corresponding number of terminal and inde- 
pendent excretory canals, whose orifices are always very nar- 
row, and are seen at the free extremity of the teat, which is 
obtuse and rounded. These excretory canals are much wider 
at the base of the teat than at the extremity ; the orifices are 
about a line apart, and the canal and orifices are lined by 
a fine membrane which is continuous with the skin. The 
length of the teats varies with use. 



MODIFICATIONS OF THE UDDER AT PUBER- 
TY AND BEFORE PARTURITION 
IN THE MARE. 

In the young and virgin Mare, the udders are hard and 
can scarcely be perceived ; and their dimensions are not 
much increased in those which have had only one or two 
foals, though the teats are usually larger than before. 
When they have borne several foals, the udder continues 
somewhat enlarged and pendulous. At the termination of 
gestation, the udder is greatly increased in size, and instead 
of its being soft to the touch it now feels firmi. Shortly 
before the deliver}^ of the young (parturition) the secretion 
of milk commences, and soon after that event the glandular 
cavities become fully distended, and assume their maximum 
dimensions, which are maintained, with slight variations, 
during the entire period of lactation. When this period is 
termlinated, the secretion gradually ceases, and the gland 



12 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



again assumes its quiescent condition, and nearly its ordin- 
ary size. 

DIFFERENCE IN OTHER ANIMALS. 

COW. 

In the Cow, as in the Mare, although developed in a 
single fibrous capsule or sac, is made up of two quite dis- 
tinct glands — or "quarters," as they are generally termed — 
and which can be seen, or felt, by a slight, depression. 






11 V -•* 



'< >, 









m':m 





Pig. 2. 

sex:jtion of uddbr op cow. 

a, Front Quarter; b, Back Quarter; g, Septum or Dividinft 
Line Between the Quarters; c, c. Section of the Milk Ducts; d, d. 
Milk Cistern (I/actiferous Sinus); e, e, Orifice of the Teat; f, 
Large Lymph Gland in the Back Quarter. 

Each gland has its corresponding teat, much more devel- 
oped than that of the Mare. The Cow really possesses 
four udders and four teats. In the center and at the base 
of each teat, there is a single large cavity, whicli is the gen- 
eral confluent of all the milk ducts, and opens externally 
throug^h the teat by a single excretory canal. This canal is 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animal^,. 13 

widest at its commencement, and narrow at its termination 
at the end of the teat. The walls of the teats are very thick, 
elastic, and retractile. Not infrequently there are found be- 
hmd the four teats one or two rudimentary teats, which are 
generally imperforate; though in very rare instances they 
have been observed to be perforated and to yield milk. 

The teats of the Cow are generally two and a hwlf to 
three and a half inches in length ; this length varies accord- 
ing as the animal has reared a large or small number of 
calves. The two forward teats are generally the longest, 
and the corresponding quarters furnish more milk than 
the others. The muscle around the free extremity of the 
teat, pevents the passive escape of the milk from the orifices 
of the excretory ducts; for if a small cannula, scarcely 
larger than one of these ducts, be inserted slightly beyond 
the orifice, the milk immediately flows. And when the end 
of a teat has been wounded, or when the muscle of this 
part has been divided in the performance of some operation, 
there is no longer any obstacle to the emission of the milk. 
In the Cow, the secretion of milk can be excited and main- 
tained by regular milking, the only suspension occurring be- 
fore the birth of another calf. 

SHEEP AND GOAT. 

In the Sheep and Goat there are only two udders, as in 
the Mare and Ass, but the formation is on the same plan 
as in the Cow. ^Fhe udders are somewhat hemispherical 
and voluminous, particularly in the Goat, and each udder is 
provided with a single conical, well-detached teat. The 
cavitv or milk reservoir of each teat is very large, the walls 
of the teat being thin; the milk reservoir is in some in- 
stances capable of containing nearly three ounces of milk. 

PIG. 
'■ In the Pig the udders are ten or twelve in number, dis- 
posed by pairs in two parallel rows. They have not, as in 



14 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

the larger animals, any milk reservoirs, the milk canals of 
each teat joming directly to form a variable number of ex- 
cretory ducts, which open at the free extremity of the teat 
by from five to ten orifices. The udders of the Pig are 
scarcely perceptible v^hile they are not active; but during 
lactation they form two series of well-developed eminences, 
divided on the middle line by a wide and deep furrow. 

BITCH. 
In the Bitch there are eight to ten udders, arranged as 
in the Pig. 



FUNCTIONS OF THE UDDER. 

The secretion of milk is the special function of the ud- 
der, and takes place in the caecal vesicles of the lobule? 
The milk is conveyed from these into the milk ducts and 
milk reservoir, where it is stored until a certain period ; thi? 
retention after a time distends the glands very much, and 
puts the elastic envelop greatly on the stretch; while the 
teats also increase in size, length and firmness. When thi» 
distention becomes excessive, it causes the animal uneasi- 
ness and pain, and if not relieved by natural or artificial 
means it mav occasion mischief. • 



INTERNAL ORGANS OF GENERATION. 

The internal or forntative organs of generation ar** 
contained within the pelvis and abdomen, and comprise thr 
VAGINA, WOMB (UTERUS), FALLOPIAN TUBES, 
and OVARIES. 



THE VAGINA OF THE MARE. 

THE VAGINA of the Mare is a canal which extends 
almost horizontally within the pelvic cavity, from the vulva 
to the womb. (Fig. i, Sec, 3.) The dimensions of this 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



15 




It » 

Fig. 3. 

GENERATIVE ORGANS OF THE MARE: ISOLATED AND 

PARTLY OPENED. 

1, 1, Ovaries: 2, 2, Fallopian Tubes; 3, Pavilion of the Tube, 
Elxternal Face; 4, Inner Face of Pavilion of the Tube; 5, Liga- 
ment of the Ovary; 6, Intact Horn of the Womb; 7, A Horn 
opened; 8, Body of the Womb, Upper Face; 9, Broad Ligament; 
10, Neck of Womb; 11, Cul-de-sac of the Vagina; 12, Interior of 
the Vagina; 13, Opening of the Urethra (Urinary Meatus); 14, 



16 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

Valve Closing over the Orifice of the Urethra; 15, a Vestige of 
the Hymen; 16, Interior of the Vulva; 17, Clitoris; 18, 18, Laps of 
the Vulva. 

canal varies, and the walls are thin. Located above the: 
vagina is the rectum (Fig. i, Sec. 5), and below it is the 
bladder (Fig. i, Sec. 4) ; on each side are the ureters and the 
walls of the pelvis, and back of it is found fatty and loose 
connective tissue. Usually the walls or sides of the vagina 
are in contact. Its length is variable, but in a full-sized 
Mare is generally about a foot long. Internally it is lined 
v/ith a thin mucous membrane, which is always abundantly 
covered with mucus, which is disposed in longitudinal 
wrinkles or folds. These folds no doubt favor the dilitation 
of the canal during copulation, or during the passage of 
the young, and they are more conspicuous after several 
births. Along the lower face of the vagina extends a tran- 
sverse ridge, which covers the orifice of the urethra 
(meatus). The ntembrane lining the vagina usually has a 
pale pink hue, but at the period of ''heat" its color becomes 
heightened to a bright red, and its secretion is considerably 
increased. In youth the vagina is contracted. In old age it 
is much diminished. After copulation its dimensions are 
increased ; in the third or fourth months of gestation in the 
larger animals, it becomts elongated from displacement of 
of the womb, which is carried farther forward into the 
abdominal cavity; toward the termination of gestation the 
length of the vagina is diminished as the womb acquires 
increased volume, and to such an extent does this occur 
that at the commencement af delivery or parturition, if the 
y-oung creature (foetus) is large, and especially if there be 
two foetuses, the womb nearly or entirely fills the cavity 
of the vagina, and even in some instances thrusts it between 
the lips o>f th'^ vulva or beyond. 



Obste'jrics — Domesticated AxNimals. 17 

DIFFERENCES IN THE VAGINA OF OTHER 

ANIMALS. 

THE COW, SHEEP, AND GOAT. 

THE VAGINA in the Cow is longer and wider than in 
the Mare; the membrane is thicker, and is disposed in 
transverse folds, and at each side of the passage for a 
short distance, between the mucous and muscular layers, 
there exists a mucous canal that opens into the vulvar cavity, 
in front of, and at the side of the urethral opening (meatus 
urinarius). The uses of these canals or passages are un- 
known, but probably have some function during (foetal) 
unborn life. These canals are not present in the Sheep or 
Goat, and rarely in the Mare, which are usually known as 
the "canals of Gaertner." 

PIG. 

In the Pig the ''canals of Gaertner" are not present; 
the folds of the membrane lining the vagina are longitud- 
inal, and graduallv subside towards the line of separation 
between the vagina and vulva. The vagina is from eight 
to ten inches long. 

BITCH AND CAT. 

There are no ''Gaertner canals" in the Bitch or Cat. 
The vagina is of comparatively great length, and has longi- 
tudinal folds, which are interrupted by transverse folds. In 
both the Bitch and Cat the canal is wider towards the vulva 
than towards the womb, and the walls of the vagpna are 
rendered very thick by white fibrous tissue. 



THE WOMB, OR UTERUS. 

THE WOMB OF THE MARE. 
THE WOMB is an elongated muscular membranous 
sac which receives the ovum, and constitutes the receptacle 
for the nutrition, development, and, finally, after a certain 



18 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



period, the expulsion of the young (foetus). It is situated 
in the sublumbar region of the abdomen, towards the inlet 
of the pelvic cavity. (Fig. i. Sec. i, and Fig. 3, Sec. 8.) 

The womb consists of a body, two horns or two cornua, 
cervix or neck, cul-de-sac, broad or suspensory ligaments, 
OS uteri or mouth of wontb. 




Fig. 4. 
WOMB, FALLOPIAN TUBES, AND HORNS OF THE SHEEP, 
a, Vagina; b, Mouth of the Womb; c, Body of Womb; e, e, 
Caruncles; f. Confluence of the Horns; g, Intact Horn; h, h, 
Fallopian Tubes or Oviducts; i, i, Fringe-like End of Fallopian 
Tube (Fimbriae); k, k, Ovaries; m. m, Broad Ligament; o, Horn 
Opened. 

THE BODY of the womb is situated horizontally be- 
neath the rectum, which is in contact with it after passing 
between the two horns ; on each side of its upper external 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 19 

face it receives the insertions of the wide Hgaments ; and its 
sides and front face are in contact with the intestines. Its 
lower surface is in contact with the bladder and the colon ; 
while its anterior extremity is continuous with each horn, 
and the posterior is separated from the vagina by the con- 
striction named the cervix, or neck of the womb. 

THE HORN OR CORNUA (Fig. i, Sec. 2, and Fig. 3, 
Sec. ^, y) are cylindrical tubes, extending from the body 
•of the womb in two upward curves — a convex curve, which 
is free, and a concave curve, to which the suspensory liga- 
ment is attached. Each horn has also a base which is a 
continuation of the body of the v/omb; and a summit, 
rounded into a cul-de-sac, which is turned upwards, and has 
at the bottom a small tubercle, the insertion of the oviduct. 

THE BROAD OR SUSPENSORY LIGAMENTS 
<Fig. I, Sec. 12, 12, and Fig. 3, Sec. 9) are two menbran- 
eous bands which suspend the womb from the sublumbar 
region. These bands are larger in front than behind, and 
in shape are irregularly triangular ; behind they are close to 
each other, but in front diverge like the sides of the letter 
V. The suspensory ligaments descend from the lower 
face of the lumbar region, and attach themselves, by their 
lower border, to the sides of the upper surface of the body 
and concave curve of the horn. Their front border is free 
and sustains the oviducts and ovaries. 

THE CAVITY of the body of the womb communicates 
with the vagina by a narrow canal which traverses the neck 
■of the womb, and is designated the canal of the cervix, or 
neck of the womb. 

MOUTH OF THE WOMB (os uteri)— In the neck 
or cervix of the womb is the opening commonly termed the 
mouth of the womb. This opening leads from the vagina 
to the body of the womb. (Fig. 4, b.) 

THE GLANDS located in the mucous rmembraae of the 



20 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

womb, called utricular glands, are cylindrical in shape, and 
are situated very close to each other. They are long, slen- 
der and tortuous, and divide repeatedly in the deeper part 
of the mucous membrane. These glands do not exist at 
birth, and it is probable that they are only fully developed 
when sexual maturity is reached. At certain periods, as 
during '*heat," they throw out a large quantity of very vis- 
cid, almost transparent, mucus. These glands are secret- 
ing structures, and during gestation play a most important 
part, becoming largely developed, and furnishing a thin, 
white, albuminous fluid, the so-called "uterine, or womb 
milk." This milky secretion comes more particular in con- 
tact with certain portions of the Foetal Placenta, or after- 
birth, in which are curious pockets that act as receptacles 
for this milk, which is absorbed by the vessels on their 
walls. 

DIFFERENCES IN THE WOMB OF OTHER 

ANIMALS. 
COW. 
THE WOMB of the Cow, with regard to its general 
disposition in the pelvic and abdominal cavities, does not 
offer any striking differences from that of the Mare, except 
that the body is short, and its interior space is much less 
than that of the Mare's womb. The neck of the womb of 
the .Cow is from two and one-half to three and one-half 
inches in length ; it is narrow, almost as firm as car- 
tilage in texture, and irregular in shape. At an 
early age the neck is nearly circular in shape, and 
the body of the womb is so small that the neck and 
horns are close together, or joined to each other. To- 
ward puberty, however, in all the larger domestic animals 
it becomes spindle shaped, and shows two lips, about two 
inches in length. These lips are composed of flattened, 
dense, transverse fibers and are pulpy to the touch. The- 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 21. 

mouth of the woniib, (os uteri), is located between these 
Ups. A knowledge of the presence of the two lips of the 
neck of the womb, and also their position, is useful when 
explorations by hand are necessary in cases of inversion 
of the womb. The utricular glands are wider than in the 
Mare. The walls of the womb in the Cow are more dense 
than in any of the domesticated creatures. 

SHEEP AND GOAT. 
In the Sheep and Goat the disposition of the womb 
is similar to that of the Cow. The horns are relatively 
longer, and more pendent, and expand more gradually from 
the termination of the oviducts. 

PIG. 
In the Pig the horns of the womb are long, and float 
among the intestines, Avhich they resemble ; the body of the 
womb is verv short. The mouth of the womb is marked by 
a series of narrow, close-set. longitudinal surfaces, but 
there is no lip projection into the vagina. 

BITCH AND CAT. 
In the Bitch and Cat the horns are very long and slen- 
der. The mouth of the womb is a smooth, thick and even 
prominence, larger almost than the body of the womb. 
which is short. It projects very markedly into the vagina. 



FALLOPIAN TUBES, OR OVIDUCTS. 

MARE. 
THE FALLOPIAN TUBES, or OVIDUCTS, of the 
Mare (Fig. i. Sec. to, and Fig. 3, Sec. 2, 2), are two small, 
cvliiidrical, flexuous canals, about ten inches long, white in 
appearance, one of which is lodged in each broad ligament, 
between its serous layers and near its front border. Each 
tube commences at the extremitv of the horn of the womb,. 



22 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

and terminates upon the ovaries. The calibre of this canal 
is small, and scarcely admits a thin straw at its middle por- 
tion, and it is still smaller at the womb extremity; as it 
approaches the ovary, it increases in width until it ends in 
the pavilion. (Fig. 3, Sec. 3.) This pavilion is fixed to the 
external side of the ovary, and its inner surface is marked 
by numerous narrow, close-set, minutely folded flat surfaces 
while its circumference is irregularly disposed into a num- 
ber of unequal, fringe-like prolongations (Fig. i, Sec. 9), 
which hang mto the abdominal cavity. 

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE FALLOPIAN 
TUBES, or OVIDUCTS.— Their function is to convey the 
formlative agents furnished by the male in generation to 
the ovary in the first instance, and afterwards to transmit 
the impregnated ovum of the female to the womb or its 
hornj in this respect they are the excretory ducts of the 
ovaries. 

DIFFERENCES IN OTHER ANIMALS. 
COW, SHEEP AND GOAT. 
In the Cow, Sheep and Goat, the fringe-like extremity 
of each tube is expanded (Fig. 4, i, i), and the duct itself 
forms three or four wavy folds, and is then continued along 
the walls of the wide ovarian capsule, or sac, to the ex- 
tremity of the horn of the womb, which makes an abrupt 
curve to meet it. 

PIG. 
In the Pig the oviduct has few or no inflections, but its 
length is proportionately greater than in the other species 
The pavilion is wide and deep. 

BITCH. 

In the Bitch the tube is long and fine, passes in a wavy 
course around the front of the ovary to the womb. The 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



23 



length of the tube is two and a half to three and a haJi 
inches. 



THE OVARIES. 

OVARIES OF THE MARE. 

THE OVARIES (Fig. 3, Sec. i, i) are the essential 
organs of generation in the female, and analogous to the tes- 
ticles of the male. The ovaries are two elongated egg- 
shaped bodies, loosely suspended in the sublumbar region, 
behind the Fallopian tubes and the kidneys, among the con- 
volutions of the intestines, though sometimes their position 
is altered. The proper tissue or stroma of the ovary is solid 





Fig. 5. l^iff- 6. 

OVARY OPENED VERTICALLY. PORTION OF OVARY OF A PIG. 
a, a, b, b. Graafian Vesicles at different a, Point at which a ripe Ovum is abottt 
stages of development. to escape; b, opening by which 

an Ovani has escaped. 

and hard, and has a speckled-grey tint, and contains in its 
substance the Graafian vesicles or follicles. These Graafian 
vesicles (Fig. 5) are generally in various stages of develop- 
ment; the smallest are situated near the surface, and they 
increase in volume as they descend toward the deeper layer. 
WHien thev have reached their full growth, they are filled 
with a transparent, citron-colored fluid, and form a more or 
less prominence on the surface of the ovary. The Graafian 



24 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

vesicles are composed of an envelop or sac, the contents of 
less prominence on the surface of the ovary. The Graafian 
comes reddened by an admixture of blood when the sac 
ruptures. At the bottom of the sac, epithelium forms an 
aggregation, in the center of which exists the ovum. When 
the Graafian vesicle of the ovary ruptures and expels the 
ovum, the fringe-like ends of the Fallopian tube grasp the 
ovary, and receive the ovum, which they carry to the ovarian 
extremity of the canal. 

THE OVUM, or Egg— Anatomists give the name ova to 
round vesicles containing a humor similar to the yolk of 
egg, which are situated in the ovaries of the female, ^nd 
when fecundated by the male germ of generation constitutes 
the rudiments of the young (foetus). The ovum is a small 
cell surrounded by a thick, white membrane (zona pellu- 
cida) ; within this membrane is a granular layer, the yolk (or 
vitellus), the larger granules of which are superficial and 
compact, while internally it is a transparent albuminous 
fluid, in which are but few granules. Enclosed in this yolk, 
thoug-h nearer its circumference than center, is the nucleus — 
the female generative germ (vesicle of Purkinje), the most 
important portion of the ovum. 

DIFFERENCES IN THE OVARIES OF OTHER 

ANIMALS. 

COW, SHEEP AND GOAT. 

In the Cow the ovaries are relatively smaller than in 
the Mare, but their form and structure are the same. The 
same arrangement is observable in the Sheep and Goat. 

PIG. 

In the Pig the ovaries are comparatively large, with an 
irregular aspect, due to the Graafian vesicles, which when 
well developed, project beyond the surface of the ovary. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 25 

instead of remaining- within it Each ovary is enclosed 
v/ithin a sac. The back or posterior wall of this sac appv^ars 
to be formed by the wide and deep pavilion of the Fallopian 
tube. 

BITCH AND CAT. 

There is nothing particular to indicate in the ovaries 
of the Bitch and Cat, except that the ligaments suspending 
them to the spine are very short. 



DEVELOPMENT OF THE OVARIES AND OVA. 

The development of the OVARIES and OVA is very 
interesting. In the Mare the ovaries oi the foetus are, 
when compared with the womb, of an immense size, and at 
six months are almost as large as in the adult. In aged 
animals they become shriveled, and it is not unusual in old 
Mares to find either one or both in an unhealthy condition. 
Not infrequently they are enlarged, and their fibrous en- 
velop and proper tissue are much thickened. Sometimes 
the vesicles are greatly enlarged, and converted into cysts 
which contain a purulent fluid, secreted from their walls. 

The Graafian vesicles are present in the ovary of the 
foetus, but they do not attain their full development until 
puberty; neither are they all present at birth, but are con- 
tinuallv being developed. Until puberty there is no great 
activity apparent in the Graafian vesicles ; but at this time 
the ovary becomes more vascular, and certain of these ves- 
icles increase in volume. At the period of "rut" or "heat,'* 
one or more of the Graafian vesicles, according to the species 
of the animal, show evidence of increased vascularity and 
become distended ; the ovisac thins at the most prominent 
part to which the ovum tends, and blood is extravasated 
into it ; then, partly by absorption and partly by pressure, the 
coverings give way, and the ovum escapes outwards, and 



26 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

IS either received into the Fallopian tube for conveyance to 
the womb, or, which is very rare, fall into the cavity of the 
abdomen. After the rupture of a Graafian vesicle and the 
escape of the ovum, the cavity of the ovisac is filled with a 
clot of blood, while its walls are thickened and altered in 
color. In the Cow and Sheep the follicle has a brick-red 
color, and in the Pig it is a yellowish-brown ; but gradually 
the clot of blood shrinks, loses its tint, and the cavity con- 
tracts ; at the same time the walls of the ovaries become en- 
larged. By the time the succeeding ovisac with the ripening 
ovum has begun to protrude from the surface of the ovary, 
the old ovisac has lost its color, with much of its dimensions, 
and fallen inwards. This change, with collapse of the wall, 
depresses the scar of the aperture; and these successive 
shrinkings and scars f cicatrisations) of the ruptured ovisacs 
give the ovary a pitted and furrowed appearance in ad- 
vanced life. 

If the expelled ovum be not impregnated with the male 
germ of generation, the changes of the ovisac into the yel- 
low convolute cavity, then into the depressed scar, occurs 
somewhat rapidly; but if impregnation takes place, the ma- 
turation of successional ova is delayed, and the first change 
in the ruptured ovisac goes on to a greater extent, and it 
rarelv happens that the cavity is obliterated before full ges- 
tation. In the Mare the cavity becomes obliterated more 
rapidly than in the other domesticated animals, and it has 
not that deep yellow color observed in the Cow ; but is of a 
darker, dull reddish-brown hue. 

The number of ovisacs and ova which become matured 
at each 'Vut" or 'heat," depends upon the multiparity or uni' 
parity of the species ; in the Mare and Cow there is usually 
only one, in the Sheep and Goat one or two ,in the Pig from 
four to a dozen, and in the Bitch a variable number. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 27 

OBSTETRICAL PHYSIOLOGY. 

REPRODUCTION. 

Having described the situation, structure, and peculiar- 
ities of the external and internal organs of the female 
domesticated animals, we have now to inquire into their 
functions. Some of these functions have for their end the 
conception, development, and preservation of the young 
animal for a certain period, until it can maintain a more or 
less independent existence, when others of them are brought 
into play in order to place it in direct relation with the ex- 
ternal world in the act of delivery (parturition), while 
others cease. But in order that generation should take 
place in the higher class of animals, it is necessary that the 
two sexes be placed in favorable relations with each other, 
as the essential of reproduction is the contact with, and 
action of the male fecundating fluid on, the ovum of the 
female. Nature has ordained that this creative act should 
be accomplished by engendering in these animals an in- 
stinctive, copulative, and irresistible desire at a certain stage 
of existence; which desire, continuing only for a brief 
period, is renewed after particular intervals, until the faculty 
of reproduction ultimately ceases. 

The advent of the power of reproduction in the male 
and female sex of animals is very unequal among the various 
species, and is generally in relation to the duration of their 
existence — the creatures which are short-lived being capable 
of bringing forth young at an earlier period of life than 
those which enjoy a longer term. 

Out of many thousands of ova furnished by the most 
prolific species, a comparatively limited number only find 
all the conditions favorable for their development. 



28 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

GENERATION. 

GENERATION is the act of procreating the species; 
(breeding.) The processes by which generation is accom- 
pHshed are four; these are: 

Copulation. — Sexual intercourse. Carnal union of the 
sexes. 

Fecundation. — Act by which, in organized beings, the 
material furnished by the generative organs of the female 
unites with that prepared by those of the male, so that a 
new beinsf results. 

Gestation. — ^iThe time during which a female who has 
conceived carries the young (embryo) in her womb up to 
the time of delivery. Pregnancy. 

Parturition. — Delivery, labor, birth, bearing young; ex- 
pulsion of young at term. Act of delivery of the young 
(foetus") and its appendages; also the state during and im- 
mediatelv after delivery. 

Rut gestation only takes place on the attainment of a 
certain age — that of puberty (the period, of life at which 
animals become fitted to procreate) — that these sexual acts 
are in activity, and they continue so for a variable period, 
according to the species. During this time, ova from the 
ovaries, fecundated by the male seminal fluid, are received 
into the womb, and remain there for a regulated period, 
until they have become transformed into young creatures 
possessing certain physical attributes and resemblances to 
-their parents. This is the gestation period, and is followed 
by that of parturition, when the young is bom. 



PUBERTY. 



The generative organs of the domesticated female ani- 
mals are, like those of the human female, only in a state 
of greatest activity during the prime of life; and the most 
notable characteristic of their functions is their periodicity. 
These functions lie dormant from birth until puberty, when, 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 29 

somewhat suddenly, certain very marked modifications occur 
throuj>-hout the whole organism, but particularly in the gen- 
erative organs of the male and female animals. In the male 
the testicles become more voluminous, and in some species 
they leave the abdominal cavity to be lodged in the scrotum ; 
they also begin to secrete an abundance of a special fluid, 
called the "spermatic" or ''seminal fluid," in which appear 
particles of a definite shape (spermatozoa) which are en- 
dowed with motion. The organ for the conveyance of this 
spermatic fluid to the female becomes more developed, and 
is capable of complete and frequent erection. In the female 
the udders enlarge, the ovaries are more vascular than before 
and the Graafian vesicles are more or less developed. The 
periodic escape of the ovum from the ovary then begins to 
be carried on, with all the distinctive peculiarities that at- 
tend it, and which it is to bear during the prolific period of 
life. 

The age at which animals arrive at puberty or sexual 
maturity, is not only difl'erent in different species, but is in- 
fluenced to some extent by the rapidity of their growth and 
the duration of their life. And it may be said that puberty 
is sooner attained in the female than in the male. It may 
also be affirmed that in the male the periodicity of the pro- 
creative manifestations is not so marked as in the female, 
the generative functions of the male being always more or 
less in activity. 

The aptitude to procreate, though generally admitted 
as an indication of adult age, yet appears before ani- 
mals have attained their full physical development, and is 
present in some creatures at a comparatively early period 
of life — depending upon climate, food, and other circum- 
stances. The Pig may conceive when only four or five 
months old, or earlier ; the Sheep and Goat at eight to twelve 
months : the Bitch at seven to ten months ; the Cat at from 
eight months to a year, though it is usuailv in "heat" for 



30 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

about ten days before it is a year old; the Cow at twelve to 
eighteen months, and the Mare at from twelve months to- 
two years. 

With reg^ard to the period when procreation ceases in 
animals, there is not anv reliable data on which to arrive 
at a trustworthy conclusion. The Mare has not ceased to 
breed after thirty years of age, and the Cow and Sheep have 
bred beyond twenty years. There are notes of Mares pro- 
ducing foals at twenty-eight, thirty-two, and thirty-eight 
years of age. 



HEAT— MENSTRUATION, or (OESTRUM.) 

The rutting, heat, oestrum, or venereal oestrum of ani- 
mals is analogous to "menstruation" in woman, and marks 
the period of maturation in the ovarian ova or ovum, ac- 
cording to the species. This condition is intemiittent or 
periodic, not continuous; it is characterized by a peculiar 
systemic excitement that usually continues for a somewhat 
definite period in the two sexes. In the male and female, 
but especially the female, the generative organs become 
more or less sensitive, and the secretions are increased. In 
the female there is a determination of blood to the ovaries, 
and changes take place in these which have already been de- 
scribed. The excitement in the generative apparatus reacts 
on the whole system, and produces a kind of fever or irrita- 
bility in the animal ; its sensibility is increased ; the appetite 
is more or less in abeyance or capricious, and usually there 
is thirst ; if the secretion of milk has been active, it now 
diminishes, and in the non-impregnated Bitch milk even 
appears in the udder; restlessness is a notable feature, and 
the movements betray the prevailing desire. There is an 
uncontrollable tendency to seek the opposite sex ; with some 
animals the ordinary disposition becomes strangely per 



Ol'.STKTRlCS DOAlKSTICATEi) AMxM Al.S. 31 

verted ; and in others, again, certain physical changes accom- 
pany the sexual perturbation. The Mare is generally irrit- 
able or sluggish, and less able to sustain fatigue; the Cow 
frequently bellows and mounts other Cows, and if at pasture 
runs about with raised tail, and may even wander away in 
search of the Bull; the Sheep are less excitable, though it 
shows a change in its habits; the Sow grunts in a peculiar 
manner and becomes torpid, and manifests its amorous de- 
sires by mounting others ; while the Bitch is still more 
demonstrative, and frequently runs about accompanied by 
a crowd of males, not returning home until her desires 
have been gratified. 

Attempts at urination in the female aro frequent, but 
only a small quantity of urine is passed, and with ani-^ 
whose foot is not cloven there are oft-repeated movements 
of the clitoris and vulva, and an opaque white secretion, or 
even emissions of blood is ejected spasmodically by the 
vulva. Well-marked symptoms of hysteria have been ob- 
served in some Mares. 

In other animals this ejection sometimes consists of a 
viscid, red-tinted fluid. In all it has a special and powerful 
odor, which attracts the males, and enables them to distin- 
guish between the females which are in ''rut" or "heat," and 
those which are not, as well as exciting in them the most 
ardent amatory desires. 

The menstrual flow appears two or three days after 
the commencement of "rutting," and when this is most in- 
tense. The amount of blood does not exceed one or two 
ounces, and the coagulated clot of blood remains in the 
vagina until it is expelled with the urine. Not only is the 
existence of a menstrual discharge in animals a well-ascer- 
tained fact, but the ill effects of its retention have been 
recorded as occurring in both the Mare and Cow. 

Seasons at which "heat" takes place. — It has been ob- 
served that "heat" usually takes place in the spring-time, 






32 Obstetrics — Domesticated Ani^mat.s. 

when food becomes plentiful, especially with Herbivoron:^ 
animals. The Carnivora are in heat during winter. The 
Mare is usually in heat from April to June, or later. With 
the Cow who is kept for the milk she produces, the season, 
of course, varies, as care is taken to induce conception again 
as soon as the milk secretion begins to diminish ; but it has 
been observed that mid-summer is more particularly the 
rutting: period of the Cow. The ''heat" in Sheep, though 
naturally present in September, is usually only shown dur- 
ing" summer, because the Ewes are kept apart from the Ram 
at the natural time ; in order that the Lambs may be born 
at a favorable season — the spring ; and the period of suckling 
over (four or five week), that they may be weaned when 
the herbagfe is tender and nutritious. When the animals are 
bred for the butcher, the rut is induced sooner by putting 
the Ewes in contact with the Ram at an earlier period, so 
ss to obtain two or three lambings in the year. The Bitch 
is in heat from December to February, or in the autumn and 
springf-time. The Cat is in the state of heat in January and 
Februarv, and also in the sppng and autumn ; sometimes the 
heat appears three or four times a vear, and the animal may 
produce young as many times. The Pig manifests rutting in 
October or November — at least that is the period when it is 
usualh' put to the male : and it may be put a second time 
towards the end of spring, in order to have two litters within 
the twelve months. 

The Frequency and Duration of the Period of "Rut- 
ting" or "Heat" depends upon age, species, and other cir- 
cumstances. One day is the shortest duration of heat, and 
fifteen days the longest. The shortest period is witnessed 
in the Cow and Sheep, and the longest in the Bitch. With 
impregnation it ordinarily ceases until after parturition ; and 
if impregnation does not occur, it gradually disappears until 
the next period, which is somewhat variable. Its reappear- 
ance in the Cow has been noted everv month or three weeks, 



( ) i;sti:tk I c:£ — Dom ksti gated An i m a i.s. 33, 

and sometimes at closer intervals. In the Sheep antl Pig it 
lasts from one to two days, and again appears from the fif- 
teenth to the thirtieth day, usually the thirtieth day. Tlie 
Mare manifests a desire for the Horse every three or four 
weeks, which continues for from two to four days. Orchn- 
arily the Bitch is in heat twice during the year ; spring and 
autumn. The duration of this period in the Bitch is usually 
nine to ten days, but may exist fifteen days. 

Rutting and impregnation may and does occur soon 
after parturition. The Cow, Ass, and Sheep, and, it is he- 
lieved, the Mare, will copulate with greater certainty of suc- 
cess on the ninth day after easy labor and parturition thart 
at any other time. 

The persistence of the condition of heat for longer tliair 
the natural period is a symptom of womb or ovarian de- 
rangement, and therefore unfavorable. It renders Mares 
and Cows less serviceable, and repeated intercourse with the 
male will not always allay the abnormal condition, but fre- 
quently aggravates it. Such animals will not breed. In ag- 
gravated cases, removing the ovaries (Ovariotomy) has beer* 
practiced, and in the Cow the operation is frequently fol- 
lowed bv subsidence of the troublesome symptoms for a 
time; in the Mare it is much less successful. 



FECUNDATION. 

The eti'ective copulation of the male with the female is 
followed bv certain remarkable changes in the ovum 
and generative apparatus of the female, which, at 
first known as fecundation, conception, or impregnation^ 
ultimately results in the formation of a new creature pos- 
sessed, to a certain degree, of individual or independent 
life. The copulation to be effective, depends ^upon the pres- 
ence of a healthy ovum in the generative apparatus of the 
female, and the introduction into the apparatus of the sem- 
inal fluid of the snecial orean of the male. This seminal 



34 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

» 
fluid contains the male germ of generation (spermatozoa), 
which is composed of organic particles of a particular 
shape, and endowed with motion. For conception, it is ab- 
solutely necessary- that the ovum of the female should be 
brought into contact with these particles. By reason of the 
movements of the male germ (spermatozoa), and also 
doubtless through the aid they receive from the special mo- 
tion of the hair-like cells covering certain portions of the 
lining memlbrane of the womb, when the womb opening is 
patent, are diffused soon after copulation to the most distant 
parts of that cavit) . and high up in the Fallopian tubes. 



THE3WATERS-(LIQUOR AMNII.) 

THE LIQUOR AMNII (Fig. 7, F and D) is an al- 
buminous alkaline fluid contained in the sac, which envelops 
the foetus during the whole period of gestation. It is in 
greater or less quantity, according to the period of gestation. 
This fluid is abundant and limpid at an early period; but 
becomes scantier, viscid, and citron or reddish-tinted at an 
advanced stage, when it is adhesive and agglutinates the 
hair. 

THE USES of this water, the LIQUOR AMNII, are 
varied and important. It is not very probable that it serves 
as nutriment for the foetus in^ the early period of uterine 
life or early gestation; though it has been found in the 
stomach of young animals. "The waters" preserve an 
equable temperature for the young creature; maintains the 
integrity of its exterior before the skin is covered by the 
peculiar coating; it also favors the movements and de^elop- 
mients of the young, by removing it from unequal pressure ; 
diminishes the chance of injury from sudden external move- 
ments and shocks, and allows the foetus to obey the laws 
of gravitation. It also protects the mother from injury by 
the foetus, towards the termination of gestation. During 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



35 



parturition, this water protrudes the membranes ; is the 
primary agent in dilating the mouth of the womb ; it also 
shields the foetus from the direct action of the contractions 
of the womb, whose violence might compromise its exist- 
ence; the waters renders the dilation of the mouth of the 
womb easy and prompt : and, finally, by lubricating the 
vagina, causes the passage of the young creature through it 




Fig. 7. 

FOETAL MEMBRANES OF THE COW AT MID-TERM. 
WOMB OPENED ON ITS LEFT SIDE. 

A, Neck of Womb; B, B, Maternal After-births; C, C, Foetal 
After-births; D, D, F, F, Liquor Amrtli 'The Waters"; E, Bladder 
of the Urachus; G, Naval String (Umbilical Cord); H, H. Inner 
Lining (Allantois) of the Outer Water-sax (Chorion). 

to be more gentle and expedili<^ns thrni it would other- 
wise be. 



36 



Or.STKTRirS — DoiNlESTICATKl) AxiMALS. 



AFTERBIRTH-(PLACENTA.) 

THE AFTER-BIRTH, or PLACENTA (Fig. 7, 8' 
and 9) is a soft, spongy, vascular body, adherent to the 
womb, and connected to the foetus by the navel cord (um- 
bilical cord). The after-birth is not in Vxjstence during 
the first period of gestation, but its formation commences 




Fig. 8. 
FOETAL MEMBRANES OF THE GOAT AT FULL TIME: 

TWINS. 

A, Neck of the Womb; B. Left Horn; C, Right Horn; D, In- 
ner linning (Ailantois) of the Outer Envelop or Sac (Chorion) ; 
B, The second complete Sac enveloping the Foetus; F, Portion 
of the Wall of the Womb, where the Foetuses come in contact; 
G. Union vf the Two Outer Envelop.s (Chorion of the Foetuses). 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 37 

perhaps with the arrival of the embryo in the womb. It is 
generally considered to have two portions, one foetal and 
the other maternal. The foetal portion consists of highly 
vascular soft hairy filaments and tufts, containing the in- 
osculating loops of the navel arteries and navel vein of the 
foetus. The maternal portion consists essentially of a large 
sac formed by the inner coat of the vascular system of the 
mother, into which the maternal blood is poured by the 
curling arteries of the womb, and from which it is returned 
by the veins of the womb and after-birth. At an early stage 
of gestation the after-birth consists of a temporary mass of 
albuminoid substance accumulated around the ovum in the 
womb. When gestation is terminated, the after-birtn be- 
comes remarkably rigid, the vessels are obliterated and 
transformed into fibrous tissue. The formation and lobes of 
the after-birth varies in different species. In the Cow, 
Sheep and Goat they are multiple ; there being from sixty to 
eighty after-births of various sizes. 

FUNCTIONS OF THE AFTER-BIRTH. 

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE AFTER-BIRTH are 
obvious : It is the nutrient and respiratory apparatus dur- 
ing a portion of the foetal existence in the womb ; and for 
the accomplishment of these functions it must rely upon its 
intimate and healthy relations with the surface of the womb. 
The after-birth admits of the foetal blood being shown, as it 
were, to that of the mother and unrlergoing requisite changes, 
therefore it serves- as the organ of circulation as well as 
respiration and nutrition of the foetus. The Horse, Pig, 
Dog, and Cat have single after-births, while in the Cow, 
Sheep and Goat they are multiple. 

For Illustration See Following- Papre.) 



38 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 




Pig. 9. 
FOETUS OF MAKE AND ITS ENVELOPS. 

A, Outer Water-sac (Chorion); C. The Second Complete Sac 
withdrawn from the First, and opened to expose the Foetus; B^ 
Portion of the Navel Cord ; D, Foetus. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 39 

NAVEL STRING-( UMBILICAL CORD.) 

THE NAVEL-STRING (Fig. 7, 9) is a collection of 
vessels which form the means of cominimication between 
the mother and the foetus during the existence of the foetus 
in the womb, and which loses its functions when birth oc- 
curs. The navel-string is visible at the earliest period of 
pregnancy, and is formed by the vessels which convey the 
blood between the foetus and its envelops, chiefly the after- 
birth. Three vessels enter into the composition of the 
navel-cord : two arteries and a vein, which are imbedded in 
connective tissue, that make them' appear more voluminous 
than they really are. Besides the three blood vessels, the 
cord contains the duct called the urachus, as well as the 
<!xtremity of the foetal intestine at an early period. The 
urachus is an irregularly bulging canal, continued from 
what is eventually the bottom or base of the bladder. After 
birth it rapidly contracts, especially at the base of the blad- 
der, until it is quite closed, and nothing it left but the folds 
of the membrane that sustained it, and which now becomes 
the middle ligament of the bladder. It, sometimes happens 
with the foal, but more frequent with the calf, that the 
urachus duct does not close and tlie urine in this case escapes 
by the navel. For treatment see Persistence of the Urachus. 



PREGNANCY-GESTATION. 

PREGNANCY, or GESTATION, contprises the per- 
iod during which the female animal carries its young while 
it is undergoing developm.ent. Its consideration is of much 

moment. 

With the development of the foetus, the womb under- 
goes important changes with regard to volume. During and 
after copulation the womb is congested, and when concep- 
tion has taken place, the vessels, distended with blood, grad- 
ually enlarge to a great size. The same changes take place 



40 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

in the lymphatics and nerves, which were comparatively 
small in the unimpregnated state. These changes add to 
the thickness and density of the womb. As the womb in- 
creases in volume, it becomes rounder, acquiring a greater 
capacity, the neck becomes widened, and the proper struc- 
ture is exaggerated to an extraordinary degree. With the 
increase in volume, weight, and capacity, the womb likewise 
acquires a higher degree of sensibility, doubtless from the 
development of the nerves. So that between the neck, the 
body, and the horn, there is established sympathetic relation 
that is sometimes not advantageous ; for irritation of the 
neck of the womb, howsoever produced, may bring on vio- 
lent contractions of the whole organ, and lead to the pre- 
mature expulsion of the foetus. This expulsion, as is well 
known, sometimes follows copulation ; though, as a rule, 
animals usually do not seek to copulate during pregnancy if 
left to their ov/n natural instinct^. This irritation may also 
be a consequence of manipulation by the hand of the ex- 
plorer. 

The contractions of the womb are very powerful, and 
are analogous to that of the intestines — extending from the 
extremity of the horn towards tne neck with worm-like mus- 
cular contractions, particularly in these animals which, like 
the Bitch and Pig, have very long horns, with the young 
arranged one after another in them. (Fig. lO-A.) The 
contractility of the womb, which signifies also its retractility, 
enables it to contract on itself after delivery, and to nearly 
obliterate its cavity. This rapid diminution in the capacity 
of the organ closes the orifices of the vessels which open 
on the internal surface of the womb during the act, and thus 
prevents fatal haemorrhage. 

The main functions of the powerful contractions of the 
womb, however, appears to be concerned in the expulsion of 
the foetus, and then, as at other times, it is entirely inde- 
pendent of the will. Besides, the intensitv of the contrac- 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



41 




Fig. 10. 

THE PREGNANT WOMB OP' A MULTIPI^^BEARING AND 

SINGLE-BEARING ANIMAL. 

A, Multiparous Womb; a, a, Ovaries; b, b, Fringe-lilce Pro- 
longation of the Fanopian Tubes; c, c, d, d, Horn of Womb — 
that on the left contains four Embryos, on the right two, one of 
which is exposed; e. Body of Womb; f. Vagina; g, g, Ligaments 
Of the Womb. 

B, Uniparous Womb; c, c, Fallopian Tubes; e, Body of Womb, 
•containing early Ovum of Womb; f, Vagina; g, Mouth of Womb. 

C, Early Ovum of Womb. 



42 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

tions is not always related to the strength of the animal; 
pain deadens and paralyzes the contractile force. When the 
contractions have been vigorous, the womb rapidly dimin- 
ishes ; but if they have been slow and weak, the organ slow- 
ly contracts on itself. When the womb does not contract 
quickly after delivery it is said to be inert, and the cause 
is to be found in the expenditure of its contractile power, 
either through excessive distention, a delivery too prompt or 
too slow, or general weakness of the maternal system. By 
prolonged exertion the muscles of the womb become weak- 
ened ; so that when the act of parturition has been pro- 
tracted, the contractions of the organ become slow and 
feeble, or cease altogether. Opiates and narcotics generally 
produce the same effect, and are therefore successfully ad- 
ministered when the contractions are too energetic or pain- 
ful during delivery or before abortion. The contractions of 
the womb are increased or stimulated by irritation of the 
neck or body of the womb — such as is produced by retention 
of the whole or a portion of the after-birth, tickling of the 
neck of the womb by the finger, friction on the belly, the ap- 
plication of cold to the belly, or the administration of ergot 
of rye. 

Not infrequently, if not always, the cavity of the neck 
of the womb is filled with a plug of thick, adherent, glutin- 
ous matter, sometimes so abundant that it also occupies the 
vagina, and forms an unpleasant obstacle to exploration, 
though it does not interfere with parturition. 

With regard to the DIRECTION of the WOMB, it is 
to be noted that its horizontal position in the domesticated 
animals obviates those lateral displacements which are so 
frequent in women. Its weight, and that of its contents, 
maintaining , it in position, and in a line with the body of the 
animal. This direction rarely varies to any appreciable de- 
gree, and.=it is only in a case of hernia at the flank, which 
is very uri'cdrrimon, that it inclines to one side. Its onlv 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 43 

marked inclination is in Cows, whose abdomen is .very wide 
and pendulous. Another change in the direction of the 
womb, is the more or less complete rotation or twisting of 
the womb on its axis. Numerous cases are recorded which 
incontestably prove that, during pregnancy, the womb per- 
forms a half, or even a complete revolution on itself, pro- 
ducing tortion of the neck of the womb and the back part 
of the vagina, and consequent strangulation of the womb 
near the neck, by the suspensory ligaments ; so that spon- 
taneous delivery of the young animal by the natural passage 
is impossible. 

The alterations occurring in the womh necessarily bring 
about others in the neighboring organs with which it has 
mechanical relations. In the Mare and Cow the horn in 
which the limbs of the foetus is lodged becomes extended 
and displaces the intestines, pushes the stomach more to 
the left, rests on the liver, and is an obstacle to the free 
movements of the diaphragm. The pressure of the enlarged 
womb exercises on the blood-vessels of the hind limbs and 
the vulva and rectum, retards the venous and lymphatic 
circulation ; so that towards the end of gestation, and espe- 
cially in the Mare, there is often considerable dropsical-swell- 
ings of these parts. This swelling is all the more marked, 
in the Cow as well as in the Mare, when the compression 
is greatest at the back part of the abdomen. The swelling 
is always greatest in those cases, in which there is a giving- 
way of the abdominal walls near the arch between the hind 
legs and above one of the udders, when the womb forms a 
hernia beneath the skin; then there is seen an enormous 
swelling at the upper part of the limb. 

The increase in volume and the various changes which 
the pregnant womb undergoes, bring about alterations in. 
and frequently derangement of, certain functions. Fortun- 
ately these alterations are slow and gradual ; so that the dif- 
ferent organs concerned generally adapt themselves to their 



44 Obstetrics — DoxMesticated Animals. 

changed condition without much inconvenience. The am- 
mal becomes lazy and slower in movement, and is mc^'e 
desirous of quiet aijd tranquility as gestation advances. 
These indications are observed at an early period. At the 
same time the abdomen enlarges and changes in shape; it 
becomes rounded, and projects below and on each side; 
while the flanks become hollow, the croup and thighs wasted- 
looking. In the domesticated animals there are " "cly ob- 
served those disturbances in the digestive organs so marked 
at the commencement of pregnancy in woman. On the con- 
trary, immediately after conception, the appetite is increased, 
digestion is usually easier, and all the formative phenomena 
seem to acquire increased activity; more use appears to be 
made of the food in the economy, and there is a notable 
tendency to fatten. This fattening tendency has been taken 
advantage of by breeders and feeders of animals which are 
destined more for food than reproduction. In some cases, 
however, and particularly with the Cow, the appetite be- 
comes somewhat depraved, the animals eating soil, gnawing 
the walls or woodwork of their stable, drinking foul water 
etc., and very exceptionally there may be vomiting. 

With the increased bulk of the womb, as has been ob- 
served, the abdominal and thoracic organs experience more 
or less the effects of the compression it exercises on them. 
The diaphgram is pushed forward, and diminishes the ca- 
pacity of the thorax and the expansibility of the lungs ; the 
ribs, encumbered by the weight of the foetus, are raised with 
difficulty by the muscles of inspiration, so that respiration is 
frequent and shallow, and the creature is readily "blown'* 
and fatigued. Digestion may be somewhat impaired and re- 
tarded, and sHght constipation is not rare. The strain in- 
duced by the womb on the vagina, and indirectly on the 
neck of the bladder, causes the attempts to void urine more 
frequent; while the compression on the liver, explains the 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 45 

mechanical obstruction to the. circulation and subsequent 
dropsical swellings, particularly in the ]Mare. 

SIGNS OF PREGNANCY. 

The study of the SIGNS OF PREGNANCY is very 
important. It is sometimes very difficult to speak positively 
' as to the existence or absence of pregnancy. Especially is 
this the case at the early stage. It has frequently happened 
that animals whose condition was not at all certain have 
brought forth young, and others have done the same with- 
out giving rise to any suspicion that they were pregnant. In 
order to study the signs of pregnancy conveniently, they 
have been classified as follows: i. The rational signs; 2. 
The material signs ; 3. The sensible signs, 

RATIONAL SIGNS OF PREGNANCY. 

Usually the first RATIONAL SIGN OF PREG- 
NANCY to be observed, is the cessation of "heat" or ''rut- 
ting," though it is not the most certain sign of gestation, and 
may even lead to mistakes. The cessation of heat usually 
manifests itself soon after conception has taken place (six 
or eight days), by a decrease of the sexual excitement which 
marks the period of heat ; the animal becomes comparatively 
tranquil and does not exhibit any desire for the male, neither 
does she neigh, paw, or show any of the symptoms of heat. 
If the male approaches, the sexual desires are not excited, 
and in refusing him the female may even resort to aggres- 
sive movements. It has usually been held as a sign of con- 
ception, if the female refuses the male soon after copula- 
tion, and particularly if a month or two has elapsed, and 
the Mare is in good condition when well fed. But in some 
cases the symptoms of *'heat" persist for some time after 
copulation, and the desire of the generative organs is not 
allayed, although in reality impregnation has taken place; 
and in very exceptional instances the "heat" will return 



4<3 Obstkikics — ^Domestic ATKJ) Animals. 

after having disappeared for a certain time. Some Mares 
which have been pregnant for two or three months, and 
especially those which have been put to the Stallion early 
in the year, will exhibit indications of "heat" when the 
weather becomes warmer and the pastures afford more nutri- 
ment. When in this state the female may again accept the 
male, and it may even happen that a second fecundation 
takes place at this time — thus occasioning those somewhat 
unusual double conceptions; though if pregnancy is some- 
what advanced it is dangerous, and may occasion abortion. 

Stallions exclusively employed for breeding, frequent- 
ly refuse to approach pregnant Mares in which the "heat*' 
persists or reappears; though this is not always the case, 
particularly with young Stallions. • 

In the Cow, as in the Mare, heat may continue or reap- 
pear after fecundation ; though as a rule the mlale refuses to 
copulate again when the female is in a pregnant condition. 
The pregnant Mare and the Sheep, as well as the pregnant 
Cow, manifest signs of **heat"; but the Bull knows the in- 
dications of gestation, better than the Stallion or Ram, and 
abstains from having intercourse with Cows which are in 
this state. For cattle, therefore, it is an almost certain sign 
of pregnancy when the Bull refuses the Cow, when she is 
in heat. 

It has been generally observed that a change takes 
place in the character of the animal which has conceived, 
and this sometimes almost immediately after conception. 
Mares which were previously vicious, troublesome, or un- 
steady when in "heat,'* are nearly always gentle and tract- 
able when in foal ; the genital excitement, which caused this 
viciousness, being allayed, they are no longer under its in- 
fluence. This change, when occurring after copulation, is a 
valuable sign of successful impregnation, and though it 
sometimes may fail, yet when present it can scarcelv lead to 
II mistake, If, on the contrary, the aiurnal hgs not bcL-n t'ocnn- 



ObSTMTKKS Do.MESTlCATED AnIMALS. 47 

dated after one or more coverings, if previously vicious its 
vices become exaggerated when again put to the horse. 

In the Cow similar symptoms may be remarked, though 
it is not so frequent or marked as in the Mare. 

The other animals are seldom so irritable in their dis- 
position as to lead any one to notice a similar change in 
them. 

A tendency to fatten is such a notorious consequence of 
impregnation that with the Cow and Sheep grazers usually 
resort to it in order to get these animals in good condition 
for the market, when they> are intended for slaughter. But 
this aptitude is most marked in the early months of gesta- 
tion; for in the Cow towards the last three months, and In 
the Sheep and Pig at the last month, when the udder begins 
to enlarge, there is a tendency to lose condition. 

With the progress of gestation, those animals employed 
in labor for speed or draught lose their vigor somewhat, 
particularly towards the end of pregnancy ; they become 
"soft," and their paces slower and heavier — consequently 
they require more urging to make them perform a certain 
amount of work. Mares trot, gallop, and jum.p with more 
fatigue, and yield themselves far less readily to inordinate 
exercise than before, either because their temperament al- 
ters, their instinct urges them to preserve their progeny, or 
the foetus itself physically embarrasses them in their move- 
ments. But this is not always a sure sign ; for sometimes,, 
though rarely, Mares will perform their work with the 
same energy and speed as before conception, even up to a 
very brief period before parturition commences. Taken 
with other signs, nevertheless, this may afford assistance in 
giving an opinion on gestation. 

During the period of pregnancy, Cattle and Sheep are 
more tranquil, and rest much; as do also Pigs and Bitches. 



48 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

MATERIAL, SIGNS OF PREGNANCY. 
THE MATERIAL OR PHYSICAL signs are those 
^ependiug upon the changes in volume of th<^. abdomen 
and the udder. 

The abdomen enlarges in every direction, and at the 
same time changes its shape. As it becomes larger it de- 
scends or drops ; the flanks become hollow, and the spine ap- 
pears more concave ; while the latteral portions of the croup 
-sink to a noticeable extent. These changes are progressive- 
ly developed as gestation approaches its term, when they 
^re very evident. 

The enlargement of the udder is a sign which varies 
^considerably in different species. In the Mare and Cow, 
they begin to increase soon after conception — towards the 
second and third month. The udder is more prominent and 
lirm to the touch, loses its wrinkles, and the teats are more 
-visible. This appearance is generally only temporary and 
partially disappears, to reappear again more markedly 
after some weeks; then to subside and show itself several 
times during the period of gestation. Besides this enlarge- 
ment of the udder in the Mare and Cow, which may be 
accepted as a certain indication of j^regnancy, these glands 
furnish towards the last third of the period of gestation, a 
yellow, viscid, transparent liquid similar to white of egg, 
and which can be easily extracted from the teats by milk- 
ing. In those which have never conceived, manipulation 
of the teat may furnish a drop or two of a watery-like fluid, 
!nit in two or three months after gestation it becomes vis- 
cid in consistency. In the last three weeks of pregnancy 
this liquid sometimes becomes white and opaque, and is 
then proper milk When the animals have been bred sev- 
eral times, the increase in the size of the udder is only no- 
ticed in the last days of gestation. In milch Cov^s, and 
particularly in those which are not good "milkers," another 
sioT) is to be found in the diminution of the lacteal or milk 
secretions, and the shrinking of the udder sometime after 



Obstetrics — Domestic at r:i) Animals. "^9 

conception — usually about the twentieth day. In the preg- 
nant Mare, which still has a Foal running with her, the 
secretion of milk also ceases sometime before parturition: 
and the animal appears to be aware of this, for it weans the 
Foal generally between the sixth and eighth month. 

In the smaller animals the enlargement of the udder 
and the appearance of the milk are usually remarked earlier, 
and more regularly, than in the large creatures. In those 
smaller animals which have borne young, similar changes 
take place as those observed in the Mare and Cow, but the 
udder may be later in enlarging. 

It may be noted as an additional aid in determining 

pregnancy, that with the progress of gestation the mem- 

•brane lining the vulva and the vagina becomes swollen, and 

assumes a red or bluish-red hue, instead of its usual pink 

•color; and towards the termination of pregnancy, the vag- 

mal secretion is greatly increased; particularly so in the 

Cow. 

All these numerous signs are by no means to be im- 
plicitly relied upon, as they are not infallible in proving 
the existence of pregnancy in every case. However, if all 
-the above signs are manifest in an animal, they establish a 
very strong presumption, though not an absolute certainty, 
- as to its condition. 

SENSIBLE SIGNS OF PREGNANCY. 
Towards the fourth month in the larger animals, the 
young creature can move. The Sensible signs and indica- 
tions are obtainable by three manual explorations: the ab- 
. dominal. rectal, and vaginal. 

ABDOMINAL EXPLORATION.— The feel of the 
abdomen does not yield equally certain results in all the do- 
mesticated animals. In those which are small, as the Bitch 
and Cat, a little careful manipulation will render the pres- 
• ence of the foetus very evident towards the middle period 
. of gestation; but in the Mare, Ass and Cow it is more dif- 
i ficult, and with these animals it is better to make the exam- 



50 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

ination when they are in a standing position, as the signs 
are not so perceptible when in a recurrMbent position. The 
examiner stands on the right side of the Cow, the left of the 
Mare, with his back towards the animal's head, and applies 
the palm of his right or left hand against the abdomen, im- 
mediately below the flank, about eight or ten inches in 
front of the stifle, and just above the udder, pressing mod- 
erately, the other hand resting on the back. At this part of 
the abdomen a hard voluminous mass can be felt in the 
womb, while the movements of the foetus are perceptible 
as it stirs at irregular intervals, and causes the jerks and 
shock of its displacements to be comm.unicated to the walls 
of the abdomen.- These movements are strongest in the 
morning, and are more distinct if the mother is eating or 
drinking, especially if the water is cold. The young crea- 
ture can also be excited to movement by the spraying of 
cold water against the belly, or by the application of the 
cold wet hand. In the Cow, smart compression of the ab- 
domen with the closed fist at the part just indicated, so as 
to push the womb upwards and allow it to return with a little 
force, is also a good method of ascertaining the presence 
of the foetus, and will prove successful when simple applica- 
tion of the flat hand will fail. This is most likely to be suc- 
cessful when there is not much food in the stomach. At a 
more advanced period of pregnancy, in the last two montTis, 
the movements of the foetus can be easily observed as it 
jumps about briskly, striking the interior of the abdomen at 
brief intervals. This, with the other signs at this time, 
leaves no doubt as to the existence of pregnancy. The 
foetal movements are never more marked than immediately 
before abortion, at a late period of gestation ; they are then 
energetic, and to all appearances conclusive. With the 
smaller animals the same method of abdominal exploration 
may be resorted to, and with the same, or even better re- 
sults. The perceptible movements of the foetus, of course, 
settle the question as to pregnancy and the vitality of the 



Or.sTE TRIGS — Domesticated Animals. 51 

young creature; but the absence of these movements is not 
conclusive that pregnancy does not exist, for it has fre- 
-quently happened that he foetus remained insensible to this 
kind of excitation, and yet was alive at birth. 

RECTAL EXPLORATION can only be successfully 
carried out in the larger animals, because of the sntall 
dimension of the passage in the Bitch and Cat. There is 
l>ut little danger to the larger animals so long as reason- 
able precautions are taken not to produce injury; the foetus 
has even been pushed gently about in the womb without 
any accident to it or the parent. 

TO EXAMINE the animal by the RECTUM it should 
be standing, and if dangerous or irritable, the twitch may 
be applied to the nose, or for safety to the operator the 
hind limbs must be secured; with the Cow, the nose seized 
by one hand of an assistant and a horn by his other hand, 
A^/ill be sufficient. By the hand the bowel should be emptied 
of the dung it may contain, so as to allow the oiled hand 
and arm of the explorer to be introduced and freely moved 
about. When the abdomen is large and pendulous, it is 
useful to place the animal higher before than behind, and 
to have the lower part of the belly raised by assistants on 
each side, by means of a sheet or sack, so as to throw the 
womb backwards and upwards; though in the majority of 
cases these measures are not necessary. After oiling the 
arm and hard thoroughly with clean lard or with sweet 
oil> pass the hand into the rectum (the last bowel), open 
the hand, place the palm on the lower surface of the bowel 
and gently press downward, towards the floor of the ab- 
domen ; when there will be felt, if the animal is pregnant, a 
hard, irregular mass, more or less voluminous, according 
to the stage of gestation, and capable of being displaced to 
a certain extent. If parturition is near, the head or other 
parts of the foetus can be distinguished through its envelops 
andi'the womb and bowel walls. But if pregnancy is not 
so advanced — sav onlv at the sixth month — the foetus can- 



52 Obstetrics — Domesticated x\nimals. 

not be so readily felt, and it may happen that at this period^ 
it is situated low down in the abdomen, or well forward in 
one of the horns of the womb and lying to one side (nearly 
always to the right in the Cow) ; so that an inexperienced 
or careless examiner might m.iss it altogether at the first 
exploration. This error can be avoided by carefully mov~ 
ing the introduced hand to the right and left as far as the 
bowel will permit. The foetus should be excited to move, 
if possible, so as to guarantee its presence. The difficulties 
are greater if it is desired to ascertain whether the foetus 
is dead or alive. Sometimes we may at once perceive the 
movements of the foetus in the womb ; but at other times it 
is motionless, and cannot be made to exert itself except by 
moving and pushing it several times. This, however, is 
not commendable, unless performied with the greatest gen- 
tleness and care, as serious complications, especially abor- 
tion might be the result ; therefore, unless urgent, this should 
be omitted. 

VAGINAL EXPLORATIONS can only be practiced 
on the larger animals, and even then it is not so valuable as 
the exploration by the rectum or bowel. The vaginal exam- 
ination is made with the animal in the same position as for 
the bowel examination, and the hand, well lubricated with 
clean lard or sweet oil, is inserted into the vagina as far as 
the neck of the womb. In the first months of gestation the 
womb descends into the abdomen; consequently, the vagina 
is longer and more inclined downwards in front ; while the 
foetus is beyond reach of the hand. Towards the fifth or 
sixth month, the womb, in expanding in every direction, ap- 
proaches the vulva, and the canal of the vagina being 
shortened, the womb can be perceived. The same manipu- 
lations as were practiced in the bowel, may be employed 
in the vagina at this time, but the results are far from be- 
ing satisfactory; the vaginal examination, should therefore, 
never be preferred to that of the bowel. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 53 

DURATION OF PREGNANCY. 

THE DtTRATION OF PREGNANCY varies consid- 
erably in different species of domesticated animals; and 
even in the same species there are individual variations 
which, though not very great, are important; so that the 
exact term cannot be rigorously fixed. 

With regard to the breeds, it has been remarked that 
the Hungarian Cow averages ten days more than the Dutch 
Cow. With the male foetus, the duration of gestation is 
longer than in the case of a female foetus. It has been ob- 
served that the male parent has an influence on the duration 
of pregnancy. For instance, a Mare which has copulated 
with a thoroughbred Horse will be longer pregnant than 
when impregnated by a common-bred Stallion; and the 
Mare which has copulated with the Stallion Ass goes longer 
than when impregnated by a Horse. The duration of preg- 
nancy also depends upon the age of the female, and her 
strength and condition ; a weakly or much-worn animal does 
not go so long as one which is strong and well fed. 

The differences in individuals of the same breed or 
species may be partly accounted for by the fact, that im- 
pregnation is possible at any time during heat ; and if co- 
pulation has taken place several times during this condi- 
tion, it is impossible to predict when conception took place, 
and even when copulation has only occurred once between 
die male and female, fecundation does not necessarily coin- 
cide with this intercourse; as the ovum of the female may 
meet the male generative germ (spermatozoa) in different 
regions of the system of the womb, and may, therefore, only 
be fertilized some days after copulation. The time required 
for the ovum to pass through the Fallopian tube also varies 
\n different' animals. Tn the Rabbit and Guinea-pig, for in- 
stance, it takes three davs ; in the Mare, Cow, and Sheep, 
four to five days, and in the Bitch from eight to ten days. 

Various circumstances mav retard or accelerate the 



54 ObSTET R ! CS DoM ESTl CAT K 1 ) A X I M A ES. 

development of the foetus. With some animals it may ap- 
parently remain for a number of da]^s in the womb after it 
is ready for birth, without inconvenience to the mother or 
itself, just as it may be born several days before the ordin- 
ary period without compromising its safety. 

The Duration of pregnancy with the Mare is usually 
eleven months, though it may vary between ten and twelve ; 
with the Cow nine months; Sheep and Goat five months; 
the Pig is usually pregnant four months, or according to 
some authorities three months, three weeks, and three days; 
the Bitch is pregnant about two months, or from 58 to 65 
days ; the Cat is pregnant from 50 to 60, 62, or even 64 
da3'S. 

MULTIPLE PREGNANCY. 

The causes of multiparity are not well ascertained. It 
may be due to simultaneous ripening of two or more Graaf- 
ian vesicles, which, rupturing at the same time, allow the 
escape of the ova they contain, and which may become im- 
pregnated at a single copulation. Or a Graafian vesicle 
may contain two or more ova, and these arriving together 
in the womb, may be fecundated at one time. Or it may 
be that the membrane surrounding the ovum contains two 
yolks, as sometimes occurs in the fowl's egg. 

Of all the domesticated animals, the Mare is the one 
which least frequently brings forth more than a single 
creature at a birth; and when more than one foetus is 
present, they are usually born dead or die soon after birth. 
The female Ass more frequently brings forth twins than 
the Mare ; but even in the Ass twins are rare. Double and 
triple births are not unusual in the Cow, the former being 
far from uncommon. With the Sheep, twins are a very 
common occurrence ; and it is a saying that in a good flock 
there should be as many Lambs as Ewes, the double births 
compensating for the losses. The Goat is generally con- 
sidered an uniparous animal, but it would appear that this 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 5S 

is a mistake, as double and triple births may be said to be 
the rule, and not at all infrequently four are produced. But 
usually with three or four at a birth, one or more are feeble 

or born dead. 

A curious fact in connection with the production of 
twin calves, is that when the young are of both sexes, the 
female is generally unproductive. It is a fact known, that 
when a Cow brings forth two calves, one of them a Bull-calf 
and the other to appearance a Cow, that the Cow-calf is 
unfit for propagation, but the Bull-calf grows into a very 
proper Bull. Such a Cow-calf is called a Free-martin, and 
is commonly as well known among the farmers as either 
Cow or Bull. It has all the external marks of a Cow-calf— 
namely, the teats, and the external female parts. The Free- 
martin does not show the least inclination for the Bull, nor 
does the Bull ever take the least notice of it. In form it 
very much resembles the Ox or Spayed Heifer, being con- 
siderably larger than either the Bull or the Cow, having 
the horns very similar to the horns of the Ox. 

POSITION OF THE FOETUS IN MULTIPLE PREG- 
NANCY. 

The relative position of the young, when more than 
one exists in the womb, is important to give some atten- 
tion. With regard to each other, it m.ay be said that they 
occupy four different positions: i. Each foetus may be 
isolated and enveloped in its own proper membranes; 2. 
If there are two foetuses they may have a common envelop, 
and otherwise have a second separate sac ; 3. Both may be 
developed in the same cavity and the same amnii or waters, 
their membranes being common, and no partition existing 
between them; 4. One foetus may be contained within 
the other by "inclusion," as in monstrosities. 

In the first above named variety of pregnancv, the en- 
velops, where they are in contact, adhere together by 
means' of fine connective tissue; the after-births are often 



56 



C )i;ST KT K 1 ( S DoM EST 1 CAT K 1) A\ 1 M ALS. 



confounded, or united by a kind of membraneous connec- 
tion, though their circulation remains distinct. In such a 
case the young may be expelled from the womb together; 
but more commonly, after the birth of the first foetus, the 
womb contracts on itself, enclosing the remaining progeny, 
which may not be born until som.e days after. This appar- 
ently prolonged retention of the second foetus is generally 
due to the fact that the first is expelled prematurely, be- 
<:ause of the excessive distention experienced by the womb ; 




Fig. 11. 
TWIN PREGNANCY: COW. 

the womb, having thus got rid of its embarrassment and 
"become relieved, can then maintain the second foetus until 
the usual time expires. 

If one of the foetuses dies in the womb, the other, 
being contained in a separate envelop, may continue to 
live and grow. In somewhat rare cases, the dead foetus 
remains in the womb, becomes desiccated, and is not ex- 
pelled until the birth of its companion at the usual period ; 



Oi5STETKics — Domesticated Animals. 57 

or, which is more conianon, it acts in tlie womb as a for- 
eign substance, the presence of which is irritating, and by, 
inducing contractions of that organ it is extruded, while 
the living foetus is retained and grows until the normal time 
,for delivery. Death of the foetus in these multiple cases ap- 
pears to be due, either (i) to the stronger vitality of the 
one which by attracting to itself a larger share of nutri- 
ment, starves the other; (2) to the too considerable increase 
in volume of one foetus, which compresses the other; (3) or 
to the separation of the foetal from the maternal after- 
birth, which, of course, causes an interruption to the circu- 
lation of the young animal, and a suspension of nourish- 
ment. 

In this variety of pregnane}^ where the two foetuses 
have one common envelop, there is only one after-birth ; the 
two having a circulation in common through their after- 
birth and the navel vessels communicating by their vascular 
ramifications. In this case the expulsion of one foetus nec- 
essarily brings about, that of the other. These results may 
be expected in the second and third variety, before men- 
tioned. 

In the fourth variety, as there are only two instances 
on record, it will be unnecessary to enter into farther de- 
tail. 



HYGIENE OF PREGNANT ANIMALS. 

The hygienic measures to be observed in the manage- 
ment of animals during pregnancv are, in general, those 
which should prevail always, irrespective of this condition. 
But besides these there are a few particular precautions to 
be attended to, in order that this period may be safely and 
successfully passed through, and these precautions are all 
the more necessary as the period of birth approaches. 

When an animal is believed to be pregnant, it should 
not be allowed near the male aeain. With those animals 



58 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

which are employed in labor — as the Mare, and sometimes 
the Cow — it is well not to work them severely nor fatigue 
them much, and particularly as pregnancy is advanced ; 
and, on the other hand, absolute repose is not advisable. 
Exercise is most beneficial, and the most difficult cases of 
parturition occur among animals to which exercise is 
denied. The pragnant Mare will accomplish ordinary and 
acustomed work, particularly if it be slow, without any 
harm, perhaps v\rith benefit, until the seventh, eighth or 
ninth month, when more care should be observed ; but mod- 
erate exercise should always be allowed up to the period of 
parturition. Harness is preferable to saddle work for preg- 
nant Mares; and fast trotting, galloping, jumping, travel- 
ing over broken ground, or severe and sudden exertion, in- 
juries, or shocks of any kind, are to be avoided — in fact, 
extremes should be guarded against. If the animal must 
be employed for riding, the use of the spurs should be 
abandoned, because of the sudden contraction of the mus- 
cles which their application induces, which may lead to 
abortion. If the Cow is kept for milk production, the milk- 
ing should cease about the seventh month ; though with 
well-fed Cows it is often prolonged until near parturition. 
Nevertheless, there can be no doubt that this practice is det- 
rimental to the foetus, by arresting or retarding its develop- 
ment, through direvting into the udder the materials which 
should be disposed of in the womb. 

Unemployed animals ought to be regfularly exercised 
by hand. Exercise at pasture is beneficial to all animals* 
€ven the Pig and Bitch are greatly benefited by miovement. 

THE FOOD of pregnant animals is an important con- 
sideration. Creatures in this condition should be well fed, 
and especially if they have to accomplish a certain amount 
of labor or yield milk. The appetite is generally increased, 
and there is a tendency to fatten. This tendency should be 
somewhat guarded against, as it may prove troublesome, 



ObstetriCvS — Domestic atp:i) Animals. 59^ 

particularly if it is allowed to proceed to an extreme de- 
gree ; when it may retard the development of the foetus, in- 
duce abortion, cause difficult parturition, or give rise to ser- 
ious after-consequences. This precaution is more to be 
observed in the second than the first half of pregnancy, 
when the food should be plentiful, but not in excess, and 
flesh more abundant in the animal than fat. Indigestion 
should be carefully guarded against. The food should be 
of good quality, very nutritious, easy of digestion, and not 
likely to induce constipation. Grazing on pastures is favor- 
able to the pregnant condition of herbivorous animals, and 
especially if the land is not too broken, or sloping, and the 
herbage is good; as they take their own exercise, and 
breathe a purer atmosphere than that of the stables or 
sheds. But it must be remembered that they should be pro- 
tected from damp, fogs, cold rain, stormy weather, etc. If 
the herbage is not sufficiently abundant and nutritive, an ad- 
ditional allowance of other food will be necessary. It is 
beneficial to add salt to the rations of the pregnant animal, 
especially in those regions where inflammation of the joints 
is prevalent among young animals. The phosphates so nec- 
essary for the formation of certain tissues of the body, may 
be deficient in the herbage ; and this may be compensated for 
by giving as a part of the rations, bran, meal, oil-cake, etc., 
and even properly prepared bone-dust. 

THE WATER should be pure, and plentiful at alt 
times: as then the animal will drink only moderate quanti- 
ties, and when necessary. A point to be particularly at- 
tended to, is not allowing pregnant animals to drink very 
cold water, nor eat food at a low temperature. As has been 
previously stated in this compendium, the foetus is ex- 
tremely susceptible to the action of cold, and abortion is by 
no means unusual through the careless administration of 
cold water or cold food. 

With regard to the DWELLINGS, cleanliness is, above 



^0 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

all things, necessary to be observed. Near foaling time — 
three weeks or a month — the Mare should be kept apart in 
a roomy loose-box, and when convenient, within sig-ht of 
the other Horses with which it has been accustomied to as- 
sociate. The Cow is usually allowed to remain in its ordiii 
ary stall in the cow-shed ; but overcrowding and want of 
space should not be allowed, and every Cow, towards the 
end of pregnancy, ought to have plenty of room in its stall, 
if a separate box cannot be allowed. With stalls the floor 
should slope very little, if any, from before to behind ; for if 
this inclination is at all marked, the weight of the womb is 
thrown backwards, and this may lead to abortion, prolapsus 
of the vagina, and even evefsion of the womb. The stall 
should be well bedded, to prevent the animal from soiling 
itself. Should a case of abortion occur in a stable or shed, 
among pregnant Cows, the one which has aborted should 
be removed at once, and the place it occupied thoroughly 
cleansed and disinfected, and every trace of the accident 
most scrupulously obliterated; as witliout observing the-:e 
precautions, abortion may be induced in the other Cows. 
Cows which have indications of approaching abortion, 
ought also to be removed from the vicinity of other preg- 
nant animals, and kept apart from them so long as there is 
any vaginal discharge; and the same precautions must be 
adopted with regard to thorough disinfection and cleansing. 
It is not advisable to have Cows bring forth among others 
whose period of gestation has not arrived. 

Mental and physical TRANQUILITY are essential 
conditions of successful pregnancy. Harsh or cruel treat- 
ment on the part of grooms, cow-l<'eepers, shepherds, and 
others, should be sternly suppressed ; and fear, generally 
produced by young dogs hunting the animals, and particu- 
larly pregnant sheep is to be averted if possible. It is ad- 
visable not to have animals of other species in the same field 
or pasture with those that are pregnant, more especially 
toward the period of parturition. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 61 

Above all, it is necessary to guard against the use of 
drastic purgatives, or even laxatives, for the relief of con- 
stipation, which rnay not exist ; as with some animals these 
medicines, by increasing the muscular action of the bowels, 
indirectly excite contraction of the womb. If there is con- 
stipation, suitable diet is a safer remedy than physics. Pow- 
erful narcotic, sedative, and other medicinal remedies, are 
to be avoided; even if they do not injure the mother, they 
may imperil the life of the foetus. 



STERILITY— BARRENNESS— INFECUNDITY. 

The loss to farmers, as well as to owners of Stallions 
and Bulls, on account of barrenness, is sometimes enormous. 
Barrenness exists both in males and females. If a number 
of females are bred to a certain male animal and fail to 
conceive, there is something wrong with the male and he 
is considered barren or sterile. Again, certain females may 
be bred to a number of male animals, without conceiving, 
then the fault is with the female, and she is considered bar- 
ren. Barrenness, temporary or permanent, in the female, is 
a common occurrence, and is sometimes serious. It is more 
frequently met with in the Equine than other species. 

BARRENNESS— STERILITY IN THE MALE. 

CAUSES OF BARRENNESS IN THE MALE.— 
In the male barrenness may be due to many causes, as hard- 
ening of the testicles, the result of inflammation; softening 
of the testicles from being pampered, and liberally fed upon 
starchy food without sufficient exercise; imperfect develop- 
ment of the testicles, as in the case of ridglings. Change 
of climate has sometimes a marked influence on the genera- 
tive organs, at times only for a season, and again it ren- 
ders the male animals incapable of impregnating females. 
"There are also several diseases of the generative organs, 



62 Obstetrics — Doaiesticatei) Animals. 

which tend to produce barrenness, as inflammation of the 
membrane covering the penis, ulcerations of the peniSj. 
warts on the end of the penis, paralysis of the penis, tumors 
affecting either the testicles or penis, tumors affecting the 
excretory ducts of the testicles, enlarged prostrate glands 
injuries or disease of the back and loins rendering the male 
animal unable to mount the female; serving too many 
females within a few days, will sometimes render the male 
sterile for the balance of the season. Or the fault may be 
due to the absence of the male generative germs (sperma- 
tazoa) in the seminal fluid. 

TREATMENT OF BARRENNESS IN THE 
MALE. — All the foregoing causes ^nd conditions should be 
carefully considered and given prompt attention, if the 
owner wishes to use the animal for breeding purposes. If 
the animal is barren from imperfect development of the tes- 
ticles, as in ridgling, castrate at once and convert into a 
good work horse. If the sterile animal is other than a Stal- 
lion, fatten for the market, as the animal will never be of 
any use for breeding purposes. When there is softening of 
the testicles from being too fat and fed upon starchy food/ 
give plenty of exercise, and avoid feeding com, wheat, or 
other starchy food, and feed oats, bran mash, cottonseed 
cake, etc. When there is hardening of the testicles, grease 
them with the following preparation: 

Iodine one-half ounce. 

Alcoholic Extract Belladonna . . . one-fourth ounce. 

Camphor .one-fourth ounce. 

Vaseline or lard four ounces. 

Mix thoroughly and apply gently. Where self-abuse 
has been continued for a considerable length of time, cas- 
tration is the miost profitable method to pursue. Ulcerations 
of the penis, are best combatted by filling the ulcers with 
calomel, a few times. W*arts should be extirpated with the 
knife and afterwards touched with lunar caustic or acetic 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 63 

acid. Too much stress cannot be placed upon the evil of 
serving too many females in a short space of time. One 
service a day, is all that should be allowed during the sea- 
son. Tv^o services may be permitted in one day, by allow- 
ing five or six hours to elapse between each service, but this 
should not be continued daily. The indiscriminate and in- 
judicious methods practiced by some owners of sires by 
allowing four, five, and sometimes as high as eight services 
in a single day, is very liable to cause a weakness of the 
testicles, so that the fluid secreted thereafter for a consider- 
able length of time, will be deficient in impregnating prop- 
erties (spermatazoa), and although the animal may seem 
vigorous and continue in service, the female will fail to 
<:onceive, through no fault of her own. 

BARRENNESS— STERILITY IN THE FEMALE. 
CAUSES OF BARRENNESS IN THE FEMAI.E. 
— Sterility in the female, has also a variety of causes. Pro- 
longed continence and old age are not infrequent causes, as 
is witnessed in Mares which have worked for many years 
in towns, and then transferred for breeding purposes. 
Change of climate has in many cases a marked influence on 
sterility — sometimes rendering the animal sterile for only a 
longer or shorter period, while at other times barrenness 
'becomes permanent. The generative organs may also be 
impaired, and fecundity suspended temporarily or perma- 
nently, by abuse of the generative functions, bad hygiene, 
etc. The female may fail to conceive from premature or 
tardy copulation when the generative organs are not in a 
physiological condition for conception, or when they are in 
an irritable, abnormal state ; but this cannot be termed ster- 
ility. 

Under-fed or over-fed animals generally do not breed 
so readily as those which are in moderate condition; fat 
animals are especially unfruitful; as in these pampered, 
hiehlv-fed. fat animals, there is generally found a fatty 



64 (^ ) I'.S TKT R I CS J )()M EST 1 CATED A X I M A LS. 

condition of the ovaries. Excitable, vicious females are less 
likely to procreate than those which are of an equable and 
gentle disposition. x\n animal with a mild disposition, i? 
often impregnated at one attempt ; and it has been observed 
that with Mares accustomed to work, active exertion, even 
to produce fatigue, before being put to the horse, is favor- 
able to conception. So it is that the Arab submits his Mare 
to a severe gallop, and brings her almost breathless before 
the Stallion, when, copulation being accomplished, he leaves 
her quietly at rest for some hours. 

Barrenness may also be caused by disease or alterations 
in the ovaries. Fallopian tubes, womb, or vagina ; and if 
any material obstacle to the contact of the spermatic or 
seminal fluid of the male with the ovum of the female be 
present in these parts, impregnation cannot take place. 
Sorrietimes tumors of various kinds In this region cause 
sterility. An imperforate, dense, and tough hymien may b? 
another cause. The male generative germs (spermatazoa) 
may have their vitality destroyed by the acid or other se^ 
cretions they meet with, when introduced into the female 
genital canal; or the impregnated ovum of the female may 
be unable to fix itself on the mucous membrane of the womb 
because of inflammation existing there. Occlusion or clos- 
ing of the mouth of the womb has been known as a cause 
of barrenness in the Mare and Cow from the earliest times. 
This closing of the mouth of the womb may be complete 
during copulation, which will prove fatal to impregnation; 
or it may be due merelv to a spasmodic condition of the 
muscles of the neck of the womb. Lcucorrhoea or whites 
is a frequent cause of sterility. 

TREATMENT OF BARRENNESS IN THE FE- 
MALE. — All the causes should be considered and a care- 
ful examination made, as removal of the obstacle to gen- 
eration may, in many instances, be quite within the scope 
of surgical or medical measures. The oiled hand should 
be introduced into the vas^ina, and if the mouth of the womb 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 65 

is found to be closed, smear the neck of the womb with ex- 
tract of belladonna; within two hours' time make another 
examination and if the mouth of the womb still remains 
closed, in many cases this closure can be remedied in the 
very safe and simple manner following: The animal is se- 
cured — if a Mare by the "side-line," if a Cow by fastening- 
the two hind-legs together, though not too close — and the 
oiled hand, in the form of a cone, passed up the vagina to 
the neck of the womb in a half-rotary or screwing manner ; 
on reaching the miouth of the womb, the tips of the fingers 
are to be gently inserted by the same movement into the 
mouth and pushed on until the cavity of the womb is 
reached ; the animal should be put to the male on the same 
or the following day. This simple operation for the cure 
of sterility has been very often practiced, and is well known 
to the Arabs of the Sahara, who treated their barren Mares 
in this manner, and in the majority of cases with success. 
A simple sound, the size of an ordinary catheter, well 
greased, may be employed with the same object as the fin- 
gers, and appears to answer quite as well. Various instru- 
ments have been devised to dilate the mouth and neck of 
the womb, but nothing is equal to the fingers or the sound. 
In the United States, Lyford's method of ensuring im- 
pregnation when the mouth and neck of the womb is at 
fault, has ben extensively practised, with excellent results. 
Use is made of what he terms impregnators and dilators. 
The impregnator consists of a hollow tube or cone, com- 
posed of soft rubber of sufficient thickness and firmness to 
retain its shape and resist the pressure of the neck of the 
womb. Somewhat constricted at the disc portion, in order 
that it may be self-retaining (Fig. 12. a), the posterior sur- 
face of the disc is somewhat concave, to admit the urethral 
sinus of the penis; while the canal in the body is sufficiently 
wide to allow the semen or seminal fluid an easy passage 
through the tube to the end (h). which projects into the 



66 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



womb. These impregnators are in three or four sizes, to tit 
differnt sized wombs; and to render them less objection- 
able to both the male and female, the disc (Fig. 13, a), as 
well as the bulb (b), is hollow and very elastic, so that con- 
nection between male and female takes place almost as if no 
foreign body intervened. The advantage claimed for these 
articles are : Close approximation to the natural condition 
of the neck of the womb during copulation, and so render- 
ing the communication between the cavity of the womb 
complete, thus assuring easy access for the semen ; they 
are easily inserted; are ready for immediate use; and they 
are cheap and durable. The dilator (Fig. 14) greatly facili- 
tates the introduction of the impregnator, by dilating the 
mouth of the womb and displacing any obstruction that 





Fig-. 12'. 
IMPREGNATING TUBE 

a, Disc; b, Bulb. 



Fig. 13. 
SECTION OF IMPREGNATING 
TUBE, 
a, Disc; b. Bulb. 



may exist, thus allowing the neck of the womb to envelop 
the impregnator easily and closely, as well as saving much 
time in inserting it. This is accomplished by the left hand 
in the vagina placing the impregnator — in which is the dila- 
tor — at the entrance of the mouth of the womb, while the 
right hand makes the necessary pressure on the handle of th^ 
dilator to push it into the canal of the womb ; the left hand re- 
tains it there until the dilator is withdrawn. The Stallion is 
then allowed access to the Mare and within five minutes after 
copulation the tube is extracted by means of a tape attached 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 67 

to it, the end of which has a ring, and hangs outside the 
vulva. 

Moderate rigidity of the neck of the womb, which can- 
not be overcome by prompt manipulation with the fingers 
or tubes, may be combatted by means of sponge tents intro- 
duced into the mouth of the womb. These are made by 
soaking a sponge to which a long string has been securely 
tied, in a strong solution of gum arabic ; it is then closely 
wound round with a thread, so as to form an elongated, 
pointed mass four or five inches long. When dry the thread 
is removed, and the sponge, being slightly smeared with 
grease or glvcerine. is passed into the mouth of the womb, 
where it is left to soften and expand, in doing which it 
widens the canal. The operation of inserting the tent must 
be performed quickly, either with the fingers or forceps, 
before it absorbs mucus which will cause it to lose its rigid- 
ity and make it difficult, if not impossible, to apply. In 
some instances it may be necessary to make a few 
incisions in the neck of the womb before an open- 
ing can be forced; this can be accomplished with a thor- 
oughly cleansed, small-bladed penknife; then force an 
opening either with the fingers or the sound. But this cut- 
ting operation should never be resorted to until the. simpler 
and safer means have failed. 

When the womb is excitable and irritative, causing 
straining and ejection of the seminal fluids or semen, it is 
best to give the female a good run or a hard day's work — 
something to compel the animal to become fatigued, then 
breed immediately and she will likely conceive. If barren- 
ne«(s is due to a fatty condition of the ovaries, where the 
anim.al is very fat and pampered up. place it to work and 
work hard for a month or six weeks, feeding on a limited 
quantity of oats and hay; but if from too low a condition, 
and overwork, reverse the conditions. It from leucorrhoea 
or whites, treat for this ailment. If from diseased ovaries, 



68 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

the animal should be spayed. If only one ovary becomes 
affected, that ovary should be taken away, when the animal 
will possibly breed all right. When Mares become greatly 
advanced in years, say seventeen to twenty, without ever 
producing a colt, they should not be bred, as the pelvic bones 
become solidified and difficult delivery is the result, prob- 
ablv ending- in the loss of both Foal and Mare. 



PATHOLOGY OF PREGNANCY. 

In the PATHOLOGY of pregnancy will be included 
influence of pregnancy on ordinary diseases, and the dis-^ 
eases and accidents incidental to pregnancy. 

PATHOLOGICAL DISTURBANCES INCIDENTAL 

TO PREGNANCY. 

Pregnancy in animals brings about certain modifica- 
tions in the organism which may sometimes call for serious 
notice, either when it leads to a morbid predisposition, or in 
its influence on the progress of certain diseases already ex- 
isting at the time of conception, or which have developed 
during pregnancy. There are also maladies which are pecul- 
iar to pregnancy, some of them of much importance. 

INFLUENCE OF PREGNANCY ON ORDINARY 

DISEASES. 

The influence of pregnancy has often been productive 
of marked eilFects on the course of ordinary diseases. And 
these influences may have been due, directly or indirectly, 
in some cases at least, to the condition of the blood in the 
female, the red globules of the blood, also the albumin is 
greatly decreased, while the serum of the blood is much 
above the normal standard. Owing to this decrease in the 
solid portion of the blood, the blood of the pregnant female 
contains more white^ than red globules : therefore depletive 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 69 

measures should be carefully resorted to, or, better still, ab- 
stained from. The mechanical effects of the foetus, and the 
immense volume of the womb, must also produce disturbance 
of most essential functions, and more especially those of the 
abdominal and thoracic organs. Therefore it is, that during 
pregnancy such affections as indigestion, colic, tymlpanites, 
or pneumonia, are so frequently followed by abortion and 
slow convalescence, or death of the animal. 

Chronic diseases have in general but little influence on 
pregnancy. It has been thought by some that "broken 
wind" in the Mare is much relieved during pregnancy; but 
some observations would go to prove that it is rather ag- 
gravated — though the troublesome cough does not appear 
to prevent the foetus reaching its full period. 

Acute diseases are more serious, and especially those of 
an epizootic kind, which often cause abortion or induce pre- 
mature labor. Influenza very often leads to abortion in 
Mares, and the contagious pleuro-pneumonia of cattle ha? 
frequently the same result, death being more frequent a^ 
pregnancv is well advanced. Sheep-pox is also more serious 
and more often fatal in pregnant sheep, and most frequent- 
ly followed by abortion. Abortion has been a notorious se- 
quel of "foot-and-mouth disease," in which the losses from 
this cause have sometimes amounted to fifty, and even more, 
per cent. Painful and nervous diseases are also more serious 
during pregnancy than at other times. 

DISEASES INCIDENTAL TO PREGNANCY. 

The chief maladies or morbid conditions which have 
been noted in animals are Pica, rickets, constipation, colic, 
dropsical swellings, partial paralysis, cramps, congestion of 
the brain, cough, inflammation of the udder, bloody serum 
or milk. 



70 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

PICA, OR LOSS OF APPETITE. 

The appetite of pregnant animals is sometimes depraved, 
and they will ingest foreign matters — such as plaster licked 
from the walls, wood gnawn from their stable fittings, earth, 
etc. This depraved appetite may be corrected by careful 
attention to the quantity and quality of food, to which should 
be added powdered extract of gentian. 

DOSE. — Mare, one drachm ; Cow, two drachms ; Sheep 
and Pig, twenty grains ; Bitch, five grains. Give three 
times a day, mixed in the food. 

The Herbivora should be allowed common salt in their 
food, or to lick. 

RICKETS AND SOFTENING OF THE BONES. 

Softening or fragility of the bones, has been frequently 
observed in pregnant animals, and especially those which 
are young. There is considerable increase in the organic 
matter of the bones, and a corresponding decrease in the 
orniganic matter, especially of calcium phosph ate ; the lor g 
bones are more particularly affected, though the whole skel- 
eton may be involved. The bones become softened, are 
often enlarged, and are friable and brittle ; so that in ad- 
vanced cases fractures occur readily, while deformity is 
not at all rare. 

CAUSES. — It is generally due to the animal receiving 
insufficient food, or eating that which is deficient in mineral 
matters — such as lime and phosphorus — as well as nitrogen- 
ous constituents. When pregnant animals are not well fed, 
the foetus makes such demands upon the mother for growth 
materials that she must suflfer, and that speedily, in the 
bone structure. 

SYMPTOMS.— Usually the first symptom is loss of 
appetite, the animal instinctively seeking for lime salts. But 
frequently the first indication of this condition is the occur- 



OiiSTETRics — Domesticated Animals. 71 

rence of fracture of one of the limb or pelvic bones from 
some slight cause — as getting up from the recumbent posi- 
tion, slipping, or a blow. vSometimes before these fractures 
occur, the animal appears to be stiff, and walk as if suffering 
from delibity, and the joints begin to swell; then the animal 
lies down and remains in this position, unless strong per- 
suasion is applied. 

TREATMENT. — This condition is always more or less 
serious. Prevention lies in giving pregnant animals good 
food, keeping them in a healthy state, and not breeding from 
them when too young. 

The curative treatment is simple, and is mainly cen- 
tered in offering nutritious food rich in lime salts — as 
crushed oats and beans for Mares, and. oats and beans which 
have been scalded or boiled, with green forage or good hay 
for Cows. Precipitated Calcium Phosphate, may also be 
administered in serious cases. 

DOSE. — Mare, two drachms ; Cow, one-half ounce ; 
Sheep an3 Pig, one drachm : Bitch, ten grains. Give three 
times a day. 

CONSTIPATION. 

Constipation during pregnancy is more frequently miet 
with in those animals which live on flesh — as the Bitch and 
Cat — than those feeding on herbage. 

TREATMENT. — In all animals it may be largely rem- 
edied, or altogether removed, by suitable diet and exercise. 
Purgatives should be avoided, if 'possible, and only mild lax- 
atives resorted to if necessary. For tb.c Bitch and Cat cas- 
tor-oil is preferable to other laxatives and raw linseed oil 
for the larger animals. 

DOSE of castor-oil for Bitch and Cat. one ounce. If 
the constipation is very obstinate and will not yield to the 
oil, give an injection of warm, (not hot) soap suds. 

DOSE of raw linseed oil. — ^Tare, one-half pint; Cow, 



72 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

one pint; Sheep and Pig, four ounces. The injection as di- 
rected for the Bitch and Cat should not be resorted to with 
the larger pregnant animals unless absolutely necessary, as 
it might induce abortion. 

COLIC. 

Colic may appear in some instances during the early 
months of pregnancy in the Mare, the attacks being general- 
ly slight, and occurring at intervals. 

TREATMENT.— It is usually the result of indiges- 
tion, and only requires simple treatment — as warm gruel, 
friction to the abdom.en, injections of warm water, and laxa- 
tive food, such as linseed mashes. 

DROPSICAL SWELLING OF THE LEGS DUR- 
ING PREGNANCY (CEDEMA.) 

In some of the coarser breeds of animals and, occa- 
sionally in some of the finer, during pregnancy swellings ap- 
pear around the udder, extending forward as far as the 
breast and backward and upwards as high as the vulva. The 
hind legs will begin swelling just above the hoof, and the 
swelling will extend upward to the hocks or even to the 
groin. These swellings are serous or watery in character, 
diminish rapidly during exercise and increase upon rest. 
The disease is not of much conseqtience, being caused by 
deficient circulation occasioned by the pressure of the foetus 
upon certain blood vessels, for explanation of (see altera- 
tions in the womb under pregnancy). Tt is rarely seen in 
the Cow, as the circulation of the glands of the udder is 
more complete than it is in the Mare. In Mares it some- 
times appears three or four months previous to foaling; 
but when at pasture where they can get regular exercise, it 
rarely occurs. 

TREATMENT. — ^As it depends very much upon the 
conformation and temperament of the individual animal, as 



Obstetrics— ^Domesticated Animals. 73 

well as on season and hygienic managemient, no fear need 
be entertained, as it disappears in a few days after foaling. 
Should it occasion any inconvenience, give exercise, and 
hand-rubbing with the following liniment: 

Soft Soap one and one-half ounces. 

Rain Water (boiled) five ounces. 

Gum Camphor one ounce. 

Oil of Turpentine thirteen ounces. 

Mix the Soft Soap with two ounces of the Water ; dis^ 
solve the Camphor in the Oil of Turpentine; gradually add 
the Turpentine solution to the Soap solution, stirring con- 
stantly until all has been added; then beat with an egg 
beater until the mixture becomes a thick creamy emulsion; 
lastly mix with sufficient boiled Rain Water to produce one 
pint. 

EXCESSIVE WATERS (HYDROPS AMNII.) 

When there is an unusual secretion of the waters of 
the womb (fluid amnii), it constitutes what has been termed 
"dropsy of the amnion." 

CAUSES. — It is most frequently met with in poor, 
badly-fed animals — and particularly in Cows, in which im- 
proper hygiene has produced a morbid excitement of the 
generative organs. Animals which bring forth more than 
one foetus are much more frequently affected than where 
only one foetus is pr^ent, and it nearly always occurs during 
the early months of pregnancy ; the foetus is generally little 
developed, and in the majority of instances is dead before 
it is expelled. 

SYMPTOMS.— It IS not until the fifth or sixth month 
■of pregnancy, or even later, that indications of this condition 
are evident. Then the abdomen rapidly enlarges, especially 
to one side — generally the right ;* and in a short time It has 
acquired a greater volume than it has towards the end of 
gestation. At this period the health becomes deranged, and 



74 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

colic, with or without wind dropsy (tympanites), is not in- 
frequent. General debility is so marked that the animal can 
scarcely, if at all, stand; the appetite is lost, rumination is 
suspended, passing of the urine irregular, dropsical swell- 
ings of the limbs and abdomen ensue, with difficult breath- 
ing, which increases so quickly in intensity that suffocation 
is often iniminent. The muscular walls of the abdomen 
have in some cases been ruptured, and the entire mass of the 
womb, w^ith its contents, has formed a hernia, or rupture. 
The ordinary period of pregnancy may be completed; or 
abortion may occur at the seventh or eighth month, when 
all the indications of such an occurrence are present. The 
act of parturition will be tedious and slow. 

DIAGNOSIS.— The state of the abdomen might lead 
to the supposition that the case was one of wind dropsy 
y tympanites), or twin pregnancy. But rectal examination 
will reveal the imimense size of the womb, which forms ^ 
great globular mass in the abdominal cavity, and almost 
com.pletely fills the pelvis, though nothing of a foetus can 
be detected ; while vaginal exploration discovers the neck 
of the womb cannot be distinguished, the mouth is closed, 
and the back part of the womb projects more or less into 
the vagina; pressure on this part of the womb proves that 
it contains fluid, though usually no foetus can be felt, as it is 
beyond the touch, and almost lost in the small ocean of fluid 
surrounding it. It is in rare cases that the mouth of the 
womb is dilated. 

RESULTS. — The occurrence of excessive waters in 
the womb is nearly always fatal to the foetus. About fifty 
per cent, of the mothers survive ; although, as a rule, the re- 
sult has been more favorable where assistance was prompt 
and early. 

TREATMENT.— The chief indication is to remove at 
least a portion of the fluid, by rupturing the membranes 
surrounding the foetus ; this can be easily accomplished with 



Ol5STETRICS D()-^fESTlCAT]•:J) AxiMALS. 75 

the fingers if any of the membrane is protruding from the 
mouth of 'the womb into the vagina ; if the membranes are 
not in the vagina, and the mouth of the womb is sufficiently 
dilated for the admission of the hand, they may be ruptured 
in the womb ; if the mouth of the womb is closed it should 
be gently dilated, and the membranes punctured, if neces- 
sarv^, by means of a trocar and cannula. As soon as the 
membranes surrounding the foetus are pierced, a gush of 
fluid takes place, the abdomen diminishes in volume, the 
womb becomes retracted, and in this retraction the foetus 
and membranes are sometimes expelled. Should this expul- 
sion not take place soon, they must be removed in the or- 
dinary way. After this, the animal must have good care 
and a generous amount of food. It must be remembered 
that the foetus is always dead ; and even if it were alive it 
should be sacrificed, with the view of saving the life of the 
mother. The chances of success are greater when interven- 
tion takes place during the early stage of pregnancy, and 
before the abdomen is excessively distended, therefore the 
respiration is not seriously affected, and debility not great. 

The excessive waters of the womb have been removed 
through a puncture in the flank ; but this method is not 
advisable. 

PARALYSIS OF THE HTND QUARTERS. 

(PARAPLEGIA.) 

During pregnancy the Cow is more frequently at- 
tacked with paralysis of the hind quarters, than are the 
other domesticated animals ; this usually occurs when near 
parturition, and often even when that act has commenced ; 
generally, however, it appears six, eight, ten, or twenty 
days, rarely a month or two, previous to parturition. 

CAUSES. — The cause has been said to be the result of 
the increased weight the creature is called upon to support. 
It attacks animals which are well fed and tended, as welH 



76 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

as those which receive the opposite treatment. In a locality 
we may, in certain years, meet with a number of cases ; then 
several consecutive years may elapse without any being 
noted. 

SYMPTOMS. — The paralysis of pregnancy generatly 
appears suddenly and without any premonitory symptoms, 
mani testing itself with the same intensity at the outset as at 
a latei period ; though in rare cases the animal shows a 
weakness and unsteadiness of the back part of the body 
and hmd limbs for a short time before it drops, and the end 
of the tail is remarkably flaccid. When paralysis has really 
set in, the animal is forced to lie, but it does not appear to 
suiTer ; the position is natural, the head carried as usual, the 
eye bright and clear, the muffle damp and cool, and rum- 
ination in the majority of instances is not suspended; the 
pulse, respiration, and appetite are unaltered, and sensation 
does not seem to be impaired, even in the hind limbs. Con- 
stipation is frequently present. It is only when the animal 
attempts to rise that its condition is evident ; the fore limbs 
and neck can be moved to accomplish this, but the hinder 
extremities are powerless, or can only be raised to a slight 
extent : though with help it may be lifted , up and can then 
stand, but unsteady. 

RESULT. — Ordinarily, the paralysis persists until par- 
turition, when it disappears. Sometimes it continues until 
the third day after parturition ; and occasionally the paralysis 
persists for a longer time, and either causes the death or 
necessitates slaughter of the animal. When paralysis man- 
ifests itself only a few days before parturition, the result is 
usually favorable ; but when it makes its appearance toward 
the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, the prospect of 
recovery is not so favorable. If the animal is old or debili- 
tated there is less hope for recovery. A day or two after 
parturition, if the animal can move the hind limbs and 



Obstetrics — DoxiESTic atkd .a n imaes. 77 

change its position from one side to another, a favorable 
issue may be predicted. 

This malady must not be confounded with ''parturient 
fever," *'milk fever," or ''parturient apoplexy," in which we 
have paralysis, but from which it differs greatly, as the 
symptoms and results show. 

TREATMENT. — It is advisable in most cases to gel 
the animal up, either with or without help; but if it cannot 
stand, and slinging is not advisable, then it must be made 
comfortable in the recumbent position, and turned over 
frequently ; peat-moss makes the best bedding. In the ma- 
jority of cases and especially before parturition, little treat- 
ment is necessary. The principal indication is to avert or 
get rid of constipation by administering raw linseed oil in- 
ternally, and giving soap suds injections when necessary, 
and to feed hot mashes and easily digested nourishing food, 
and keep the animal clean, and quiet. If the paralysis is 
due to debility, then highly nutritious food with powdered 
extract of gentian should be given. If the animal evinces 
tenderness on pressure along the spinal cord, heat should be 
applied to that region. Should the paralysis persist and the 
time for parturition be some months distant, it may be nec- 
essary to induce abortion, as the protracted recumbent posi- 
tion .^enerallv produces external sores of large extent. 
Should the paralysis continue for any length of time after 
parturition, more energetic treatment will be necessary. In 
these cases ,the hypodermic injection of strychnine beneath 
the skin is nearly always attended with success. 

DOSE of Strychnine for hvpodermic use.— Mare, 
three-fourths of a grain: Cow, three-fourths of a grain; 
Sheep, one sixth grain : Hog, one-twelfth grain ; Dog, one- 
one-hundred and thirty-third of a grain. Repeat the injec- 
tion every four or five hours until relieved. 

DOSE of Powdered Extract Gentian.-nMare, ont 
drachm ; Cow, two drachms ; Sheep and Pig, twenty grains ; 



78 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

Bitch and Cat, five grains. Give with the fckod three times 
a day. 

DOSE of Raw Linseed Oil. — Mare, three-fourths 
pint ; Cow, one and one-half pint ; Sheep and Pig, six 
ounces ; Bitch and Cat, one ounce. Repeat the dose every six 
hours until the bowels move. 

CRAMP. 

By Cramp is meant an involuntary, and extremely 
painful contraction of one or more of the muscles. It is 
sometimes observed during the second half of gestation, 
especially in the Mare and Cow ; it chiefly involves the mus- 
cles of the thigh, and the principal extensor muscle. 

SYMPTOMS. — The animal either suddenly and rapid- 
ly draws up and extends the limb — striking the ground hur- 
riedly and energetically with the foot, as if a fly had settled 
on the leg, or the whole limb is gradually and rigidly 
elevated without flexure of the joints, except those of the 
phalanges, which are half flexed, the front of the hoof being 
directed towards the ground ; at the same time the muscles 
of the leg are hard, tense, and painful to manipulate, and 
the animal betrays the torture it experiences by its expres- 
sion i;nd attiudes. This manifestation is increased if the 
animal is compelled to walk, its first steps being extremJely 
difficult; while the limb is maintained in a perfectly rigid 
condition. In a short time these symptoms disappear, and 
movement is restored. The cram]) may pass from one limb 
to another alternately ; it appears to be due to pressure on 
the sciatic nerve. 

TREATMENT. — Cramp is of no moment, and can be 
relieved by walking the animal for a few paces, or by smart 
friction. It disappears altogether after parturition. 



Obstetrics— Domesticated Ammals. 19 

COUGH. 

Cough is a marked symptom of "excessive waters of the 
womb" (which see). But even when this kind of dropsy is 
not present, breathing is frequently difficult during preg- 
nancy. This difficult breathing is sometimes accompanied 
by a very harrassing cough, which, in the larger animals, 
and particularly the Mare, may lead to injury. 

TREATMENT. — Cyanide of Potassium is recom- 
mended for the relief of this cough. 

DOSE of Cyanide of Potassium. — Mare and Cow, one 
grain ; Sheep and Pig, one-fifth grain ; Bitch and Cat, one- 
renth grain. Give three times a day until the cough is re- 
lieved. 

EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF MILK BEFORE PAR- 
TURITION. 

This does not demand any attention, unless the udder 
IS large and hard, when it would be beneficial to draw the 
milk frequently. 



ACCIDENTS OF PREGNANCY. 

Under this class will be found the following diseases 
which occur before parturition, and are due to accidental 
causes — Protrusion (Prolapsus) of the Vagina, Rupture of 
the Womb, Hemorrhage of the Womb, Abnormal Retention 
of the Foetus, and Abortion. 

PROTRUSION (PROLAPSUS) OF THE VAGINA 
BEFORE PARTURITION. 

Protrusion of the vagina has been most frequently ob- 
served in the Cow and Sheep ; rarely in the Mare and Bitch. 
It consists in the protrusion, or pushing backwards, of the 
vagina by the womb and its contents during pregnancy, the 



80 ( )r,s'n:riu(:s-— DoMF.STiCATED Animals. 

tumor it forms appearing between, or external to the lips 
of the vulva. When the tumor is between the lips it is 
called "incomplete protrusion" ; but when it extends out be- 
yond the lips of the vulva, it is termed "complete protru- 
sion." This must not be confounded with "prolapsus of the 
vagina after parturition." 

CAUSES. — Protrusion of the vagina may occur in 
well shaped animals, whose tissues, especially those of the 
genital organs, are soft and relaxed, with a wide pelvis, good 
milkers, and which are fed on an abundance of bulky, but 
innutritions food. Keeping such animals on a floor sloping 
too much to the rear, as well as falls, injuries of different 
kinds, distention of the paunch, fatigue, etc., are all likely 
to lead to this accident in animals during pregnancy. It 
occurs most frequently after the third or fourth gestation, 
although it has been present during the first gestation. The 
period and duration of its appearance varies. 

SYTvfPTOMS. — The occurrence of protrusion of the 
vagina is made known by the appearance, at the vulva, of a 
circular, bright red tumor, depressed in the center, and of 
a variable, but increasing size as gestation advances — from 
the volume of a fist to that of the head of a child, or even 
larger. At first it is only visible when the animal is lying:, 
and disappears when it gets up; but when of considerable 
volume It never entlrelv vanishes. If existing for some time. 
Inflnmmatlon may be the result, when a large and somewhat 
dense tumor projects permanently outside the vulva. The 
color now becomes a darker red, and even dark brown ; the 
tumor may be irritated on the surface frortx the rubbing of 
the tail and contact with the dung and urine, while at its 
upper part can be seen the neck of the womb. This does 
not seem to Incommode the animal, unless it be of an irrit- 
able disposition, when, straining may take place, and thii 
increasing in intensity, the neck, and even a portion of the 



UiiSTtTRics — Domesticated An i mals. 



81 



body of the womb, will follow the protruded vagina, and a 
spontaneous reduction can no longer take place, while 
manipulation increases the straining. This is in reality now 
a case of "Prolapsus of the Womb," and an examination of 
the voluminous mass may lead to the detection of some 
portion of the foetus in its midst. Frequently the bladder 
becomes displaced, and when this is distended with urine it 
will gravely complicate the case and render reduction more 
difficult. 

TREATMENT.— After calving, the vaginal tumor dis- 
appears without any treatniont being required. But if 
treatment is necessajy; and should the floor of the stall be 
lower behind than in iicM, to kvi\[ it is the first to be done; 
this miay be readily accomplished by means of the bedding. 
The diet may also require attention, giving that which con- 
tains sufficient nutriment in small bulk ; constipation should 
be guarded against, or, if present, remedied by the admin- 
istration of raw linseed oil. This treatment will be suffi- 
cient in the majority of cases. 

In serious cases, when the tumor is large and the ani- 
mal strains, and spontaneous restoration or replacement 
does not occur when the animal is in a standing position, 
the mass must be returned. This is readily enough accom- 
plished ; but it sometimes happens that restoration does not 
prevent a continuation of the straining, which will result 
again in the protrusion of the vagina. This is due to the 
miembrane, which, not having been properly smoothed down 
when replaced into the cavity, remains in rigid folds which 
give rise to an uncomfortable sensation, and induce exptil- 
sive efforts or straining. In replacing the tumor, it is nec- 
essary to cleanse it well with tepid water, and to smooth 
out the folds of the membrane lining the vagina by gentle 
pressure forward as far as the neck of the womb, in order 
to efface these folds, which are a great source of annoyance. 



82 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

After this a bandage may be applied with a view to keeping 
the vulva cloied, until its lips have retracted somewhat. 
For illustration and description of the bandage (see Protru- 
sion or Inversion of the Womb, Figs. 67, 68). 

In desperate cases, where there is complete protrusion 
of the vagina, with partial protrusion of the womb, the 
animal can only be saved by patience and tact of the opera- 
tor. The animal must be made to stand, with the hind quar- 
ters as high as possible (which may be arranged with 
boards or litter), and to prevent straining the loins should 
be pressed upon in a forcible manner, by means of a stick 
placed transversely across the loins, with a man at each end, 
another holding the tongue and pinching the nose. The pro^ 
trusion having been cleansed with tepid water, the operator 
replaces it during the intervals of straining. Having re- 
turned the displaced organs into the pelvic cavity, the arm 
and fist of the operator must follow them, and by pressing 
on the neck of the womb, so act on the lining membrane of 
the vagina as to leave no folds or ridges in it; when the 
straining has ceased, which usually occurs very soon, the 
arm may be withdrawn. The recurrence of the protrusion 
must be avoided by the immediate introduction of a ball 
pessary, for illustration and description of see (ball pessary, 
Fig. 65). So long as the pessary is worn — and 
it may be allowed to remain in the vagina for a considerable 
period — ^the vagina should be syringed daily with warm 
water, to which has been added a very little alum. Death is 
often the result in those cases in which the animal continues 
to strain and evert the vagina, notwithstanding bandages, 
pessaries, and other mieans, and when grave consequences 
are likely to follow, artificial delivery should be effected with-- 
out delay; this can readily be accomplished by carefully 
and gently inserting the fingers into the mouth of the womb, 
and with the fingers rupture the foetal membranes. There 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 83 

is no difficulty during parturition as a rule ; but care is neces- 
sary for some days after to prevent protrusion. 

DOSE of Raw Linseed Oil. — Mare, one-half pint ; Cow, 
one pint; Sheep and Pig, four ounces; Bitch and Cat, six 
drachms. Repeat the dose every six hours until the bowels 
move. 



RUPTURE OF THE WOMB BEFORE PARTURI- 
TION. 

Rupture of the womb may happen before and during 
parturition, or in attempts to replace the womb when pro- 
trusion has occurred. It has been observed in the Cow, 
Sheep, Goat, and Bitch ; it is not very common before gesta- 
tion has terminated. 

CAUSES. — Thinning of the walls of the womb, dropsy 
of the womb, and distention by the gas evolved from a 
putrefying foetus. 

SYMPTOMS. — The symptoms of rupture of the womb 
are not well defined. If the accident is due to external vio- 
lence, the signs will be in accordance with its severity, and 
the more serious indications may appear very soon after the 
rupture, or not for a considerable time. After showing 
symptoms of colic for a short tim«, the animal appears to be 
quite well until parturition is due, when after manifesting 
signs of parturition, the straining ceases, and the symptoms 
change to those of inflammation of the bowels — hurried, 
short and plaintive breathing, quickened pulse, loss of appe- 
tite and suspension of rumination, insensibility of surround- 
ines, coldness of body, looking around to sides, etc. Ex- 
ploration of the vagina may reveal an empty womb, or only 
a portion of the foetus in it, and the rupture itself may be 
discovered. Or if the rupture has only ensued when par- 
turition is advanced, the foetus may be expelled in the usual 
way, and the symptoms of the rupture only recognized when 



84 OBSTETRICS — Domesticated Animals. 

the birth has been accomplished. The foregoing symptoms 
refer to longitudinal rupture. Similar symptoms are ob- 
served when transverse rupture of the womb has takerr 
place, except that, owing to the twisting of the womb, the 
hand cannot explore the cavity; the walls of the vagina, 
however, are found very much relaxed, and the neck of the 
womb extremely movable in every direction. If the animal 
survives, the straining soon passes off, the external genitals 
resume their ordinary appearance, and every indication of 
pregnancy disappears except the enlarged abdomen, on the 
floor of which the foetus lies, and there it may become com- 
pressed, or in the course of time be eliminated by an ulcera- 
tive process set up in the abdominal walls. The mother may 
thrive, especially if the foetus does not cause any inconven- 
ience or is expelled in some way ; and if only one horn of the 
womb was involved in the rupture, she may again become 
pregnant. 

TREATMENT.— But little can be said as to this. 
Looking at the serious nature of the accident, it must be a 
question whether, if pregnancy is about complete and the 
foetus is alive. To distinguish if there is life, refer to and 
read (Sensible Signs of Pregnancy). If there is no chance 
of saving the life of the mother, and the time for parturi- 
tion is at hand, or nearly so, and the foetus is found to be 
alive, it is advisable to kill the mother and preserve the 
young one. If there are any outward signs of abdominal 
abscess, an incision should be made over the abscess for the 
elimination of the dead foetus. This surgical interference 
should be attempted on the chance of the mother surviv- 
ing:. 

Though the accident is generally of a most serious 
character, yet, remembering that the recovery does some- 
times take place, there need not be undue haste in destroying: 
the animal. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 8S 

BLEEDING (HEMORRHAGE) FROM THE 
WOMB BEFORE PARTURITION. 

Bleeding from the womb during pregnancy, appears to 
be somewhat rare in animals. It usually manifests itself 
by a small discharge of blood from the vagina, particularly 
during urination ; this usually results in the death of the foe- 
tus. The blood sometimes remains in the womb, as a clotted 
mass, to the amount of over four gallons. Bleeding from 
the womb in the majority of cases would seem to be occa- 
sioned by a sudden separation of the minute blood vessels of 
the after-birth from the surface of the womb. This bleed- 
ing has been observed in animals which showed signs of 
"heat" during pregnar.cy. 

TREATMENT.— Apply cold water compresses over 
the loins and allow to remain for two hours, and plug or 
pack the vagina with septic cotton : if this is not convenient, 
clean old linen will answer. If these applications are of no 
avail, then artificial delivery should be attempted by insert- 
ing the fingers into the mouth of the womb, and with the 
fingers rupture the membrane: the same treatment should 
be adopted as for bleeding (hemorrhage) after parturition 
(which see). 



ABNORMAL RETENTIUN OF THE FCETUS. 

When speaking of the normal period of gestation, tt 
wss remarked, that this varied within considerable limits, 
and that the foetus might remain in the womb for a com- 
paratively long period- beyond the ordinary time, without 
any serious inconvenience to itself or its bearer. But when, 
from any special cause, delivery cannot take place, then very 
grave results may, and, indeed, neariy always, follow. All 
the domesticated animals may suflFer from retention of the 



86 C) r.S IKTR US— l)( ) M EST I ( ATl-:i) Ax 1 M A LS. 

foetus, but the Cow appears to be far more exposed to it 
than any other. 

CAUSES. — A diminution or loss of the contractile 
power of the womb, making it incapable of expelling its 
contents ; adhesions of an unusual character between the 
womb and after-birth ; malpositions of the foetus ; displace- 
ment of the womb; deformed pelvis; spasmodic contrac- 
tions of the neck of the womb; twisting of the womb, or 
adhesions of its ligaments. 

SYMPTOMS AND RESULTS.— Until the period of 
normal parturition, or even during pregnancy, when abortion 
is about to take place, there are nearly all the signs of par- 
turition ; enlarged udder, swollen vulva, pendulous abdomen, 
restlessness, and anxiety. Then the straining begins, but 
the mouth of the womb remains closed and no foetus ap- 
pears. This condition may persist for only a brief period, 
and be so little marked as to pass unobserved in some cases ; 
in others it may continue for two, three, or four days, the 
straining or expulsive efforts diminishing in force and fre- 
quency until they altogether disappear. The animal then 
regains its ordinary state, and, if a Cow, the secretion of 
milk goes on as if there were nothing the matter. Health 
may never be impaired from this cause, and the condition 
of the animal may not be suspected until, if a Cow or a 
Sheep, it has been fattened and slaughtered by the butcher 
for food, when the foetus is discovered. After the perma- 
nent retention of a foetus, it has been obsrved that "heat" 
does not appear again in this animal, as a rule. 

Sometimes, several months after the period of gesta- 
tion has been exceeded, signs of parturition are again man- 
ifested, and delivery may then be safely accomplished, either 
without aid, which is rare, or by careful manipulation ; the 
young animal may even be born alive if too long a period 
has not intervened since the normal time of delivery. Par- 



Obstetrics—Domesticated AnixMx\ls. 87 

turition in these cases is generally difficult ; and the favorable 
termination of such a condition is due to the foetal mem- 
branes not being ruptured, and the mouth of the womb 
sufficiently contracted to exclude the atmosphere. Even 
under these circumstances, very often, after fruitless strain- 
ing, the animal continues unwell ; it has little or no appetite, 
languishes, becomes feeble; hectic fever appears; the animal 
fails in flesh and strength, and dies after a more or less 
prolonged period of misery. 

When at the usual time of parturition, the straining of 
the animal has ruptured the foetal membranes and the 
waters escape, air at the same time obtaining access to the 
cavity of the womib, the case is in nearly every instance very 
serious. The foetus soon perishes and begins to putrefy, 
and in a short time the decomposing mass causes inflamma- 
tion of the womb (metritis), accompanied by frequent and 
exceedingly severe straining; low fever takes place; a foul- 
smelling putrid fluid escapes from the vagina, and the crea- 
ture finally succumbs to inflammation of the womb and 
putrid infection. In other instances the termination is not 
so rapid. The animal remains unhealthy; the secretion of 
milk is suspended; horribly bad-swelling discharges are 
passed from the vagina, containing pus, broken-up decom- 
' posed tissue, and even bones of the foetus. These discharges 
are increased by the straining which sometimes takes place 
at intervals. In the meantime, the creature loses condition, 
and death ensues fromi debility and loss of strength. With 
the Cow there may be a vaginal discharge, due to the pres- 
ence of a putrefying foetus, and for a long time, without 
any serious results. It is not the same with the Mare, as 
death has been the usual termination; but the retention of 
the foetus is very unusual in this animal. The period dur- 
ing which a foetus may be retained in the womb varies from 
a few months to five vears. 



88 Ohstetkics — Domesticated Animals. 

In the case of twins, it sometimes happens that one of 
them dies, and this occasions symptoms of abortion ; but de- 
livery of the dead foetus cannot be effected, owing to the 
obstruction offered by the living one, which is bom at the 
usual time, the parent being in good health. But days, 
weeks, or even months after, the remains of the dead foetus 
may be passed, or have to be extracted from the womb. 

TREATMENT.—The treatment of foetal retention 
must greatly depend upon circumstances. When the owner, 
discovers an animal that has reached the termination of 
pregnancy and begins to be in labor, perceives that the 
straining is weak and irregular, and not sustained, so that 
birth does not take place after twenty-four, thirty-six, or 
forty-eight hours, and even when the symlptoms of colic ara 
slight, the attendance of an experienced operator should not 
be delayed. 

When some time — days for instance — has elapsed since 
this stage in parturition was reached, and labor has com- 
pletely subsided, the case is difficult. A rectal and vaginal 
exploration should be made, and if it can be ascertained 
that the foetal membranes are not ruptured, while tHere is no 
straining and the condition of the animal is satisfactory, 
then it will be advisable to wait until indications of labor 
are once more manifested. If the state of the animal is n~ot 
so satisfactory and delivery is decided upon, and should the 
mouth of the womb be impenetrable, or not sufficiently dilat- 
ed to allow the passage of the foetus, then it must be opened 
either by careful manipulation of the hand, sponge tents, 
womb douches, or the womb dilating bag, which will be al- 
luded to and illustrated under Mechanical Dilatation of the 
Mouth of the Womb (which see). 

When a long period has intervened after an attempt at 
parturition, and the general and local disturbance in the ani* 
mal necessitates active interference on the part of the opera- 



Obstetrics — DoMESTicATiiD AiNimals. 89^ 

tor, then, of course, the first and most urgent indication is 
to remoive the cause — ^^the putrefying foetus — from the womb. 
When the mouth of the womb is not sufficiently open to ad- 
mit the hand and the withdrawal of the foetus, then the 
case is one of difficult labor, complicated by the death of 
the foetus and its state of decomposition. (For treatment 
and manipulation see Difficult Labor.) If the mouth of 
the womb should chance to be contracted, it must be dilated 
either by the aforementioned methods, or, if these do not 
succeed (though they often do), then an incision must be 
made in the neck of the womb. In very exceptional cases, 
an operation must be performed on the womb through the 
abdominal wall (gastro-hysterotomy), if the foetus or its 
remains are to be got rid of; and in some instances, owing 
to the air or gas contained in the foetus, its shape or size, 
or deformity of the genital passage of the mother, it will be 
necessary to divide the foetus into fragments, and extract it 
by piecemeal (see Embryotomy). These operations should 
be attempted only by the experienced Veterinary Surgeon, 
and not b}- the Veterinary Practitioner. 

When the womb is emptied of all the matters it con- 
tains, solid and fluid, it should be thoroughly cleansed by 
repeated injections or washings with tepid water, and finally 
with a three per cent, solution of permanganate of potas- 
sium, or a solution of carbolic acid (thirty drops of the acid 
to one pint of tepid water). It is well to remember, that 
before making explorations or performing operations, the 
hands of the operator should be cleansed in one of the fore- 
going solutions. 

General treatment of the animal may be necessary, and 
this must be regulated according to the indications. In all 
the manipulative operations subsequent to delivery, it will 
generally be found that care and patience, and, above all 
things, an absence of undue haste, are commendable, and 



90 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

we find excellent practitioners recommending abstention, at 
least for a few hours, according to the circumstances. 



ABORTION — MISCARRIAGE. 

When pregnancy is interrupted by the expulsion of the 
ovum, or of the foetus at a stage when this has not attained 
sufficient development to live external to its parent. Abor- 
tion is said to occur ; the young creature is either dead when 
expelled from the womb, or dies immediately afterwards. 
Abortion must not be confounded with premature birth 
(which see). 

There is not the same tendency or readiness in all the 
domesticated animals to abort. The Bitch and Cat rarely 
do so, even after serious injuries ; and the Sow retains its 
foetus almost as tenaciously ; but the Sheep and Goat are 
rather liable to this accident. The Cow and Mare, hut more 
especially the Cow, most frequently lose their foetus. Abor- 
tion is much more frequent during the first than the second 
half of pregnancv. and especially is this the case with the 
Mare. If abortion occurs at a very early period, the ovum 
may escape intact and unnoticed, without any disturbance 
whatever of the health of the female. Abortion is more 
serious when it happens at a late period ; as it then not only 
causes the loss of the young animal, but it may compromise 
the value of the mother, or end her existence. The loss to 
farmers and breeders through their animals aborting is enor- 
mous, therefore some space will be given to this accident. 

Abortion presents itself in two distinct forms, and for 
the convenience of the reader, the two forms will be taken 
up and explained separately: i. Sporadic, or Accidental 
Abortion; 2. Enzootic, Epizootic, or Infectious Abortion. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Axjmals. 91 

SPORADIC, OR ACCIDENTAL ABORTION. 

When cases occur here and there on farms or breeding 
tstabhshments over a wide extent of country, without any 
relationship as to causation, it is termed Sporadic, or Acci- 
dental Abortion. 

CAUSES. — The causes of sporadic abortion are very 
numerous, and will be arranged as: i. External Causes; 2. 
Internal Causes. 

I. EXTERNAL CAUSES.— Atmospherical influences, 
bad weather, or irregular seasons, are predisposing to or 
cause abortion. There can be no doubt whatever that 
cold, and especially when suddenly applied to the skin, may 
produce abortion ; and hence it is that the abrupt setting in 
of cold weather is often marked by miscarriages among ani- 
mals exposed to it. Many observers have noted that the 
continued and severe cold of winter is far less frequently 
productive of abortions than when cold, wet, or frosty night? 
in autumn succeed fine warm days. Cold rain is sometimes 
very damaging in this respect. 

With regard to food and drink in general, we often 
have an undoubted cause. Food of bad quality, indigestible, 
or containing injurious ingredients, is well known to' be dan- 
gerous. After unfavorable seasons, when forage has not 
been well dried and made, abortions are of more frequent 
occurrence. Indigestible food, or that which has a tendency 
to collect or ferment in the stomach, may, by exerting pres- 
sure on the womb, produce abortion. On the other hand, 
too great an abundance of easily-digested and stimulating 
food, by inducing a superabundance of blood and consequent 
congestion of the womb and loosening of the after-birth, has 
been set down as another cause. Frozen food or water, when 
taken in immoderate quantity ; and especially if the stomach 
is nearly empty, as well as forage or herbage covered with 
snow or frost, are also injurious to the larger animals when 



^2 Ui'.sTETRics — Domesticated Animals. 

pregnant, and abortion often immediately follows. Filthy, 
putrid water frequently has a destructive influence on gesta- 
tion. Some plants — such as horse-tails, sedges, etc., also the 
leaves of beetroot, readily induce abortion. Rue, savin, ergot 
of rye, and other abortive remedies will have a tendency 
to cause expulsion of the foetus more or less readily; and 
poisonous substances, such as cantharides, which act upon 
the womb, will do the same. Physics, especially those of 
a drastic kind, are a fertile cause; and opiunn, digitalis, and 
some other drugs have to be administered with caution. 
Ergotized grasses and grains have often produced wide- 
spread losses from abortion. 

Excessive muscular exertion and unusual traveling U 
very likely to produce it, and especially if there are indica- 
tions or a predisposition to abortion ; if the exertion is sud- 
den and severe, or even moderate, but coming after a long 
period of rest, it is all the more certain to produce abortion. 
Wounds to the abdomen by kicks or falls, or squeezing 
through a narrow doorway or passage, railway or steam- 
boat traveling, blows and shocks, keeping the animal in 
stalls with floors that incline backward, are all causes. Ac- 
cess of the male (copulation) not unfrequently produces a 
miscarriage: and exploration of the vagina will also cause 
muscular contractions of the womb, which results in the ex- 
pulsion of the foetus. Surgical operations performed on 
pregnant animals, bleeding, or throwing a pregnant animal 
down to be operated upon, is dangerous. Carrying" a rider, 
in the case of the Mare, and especially if the spurs are used, 
is attended with much risk. Excitement, fear, sudden sur- 
prise, or anger, are also causes. Heavy thunder has some- 
times been serious in this way; and the fear produced by 
dogs leads sometimes to heavy losses among Sheep; fox 
hounds running near or among pregnant Cattle or Sheep 
often cause considerable damage, especially among nervous 
animals. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 93 

2. INTERNAL CAUSES.— Badly-fed and neglected 
animals sometimes abort, but not nearly so frequently, per- 
haps, as those in the opposite condition, and extremely fat. 
It is generally admitted that with some animals there is a 
special disposition to abort, and sometimes without any no- 
ticeable cause, or a very triflmg cause, as previous abortions, 
will induce abortion; while other animals never lose t^eir 
foetus, though exposed to the influence of apparently most 
powerful causes. The disposition to abort somjetimes disap- 
pears as age advances. 

A more constant and potent cause, is to be found in the 
presence of grave diseases, and especially those which affect 
the system genrally, producing more or less derangement 
of all the functions. The various serious epizootic maladies, 
inflammation of the bowels, and all those abdominal disor- 
ders which give rise to restlessness, bloating, cough, as well 
as those diseases which induce cough — as bronchitis, pneu- 
monia, asthma, etc. — pleurisy, and other affections, and in- 
juries accompanied by great pain ; as well as nervous or con- 
vulsive derangements — such as lock-jaw, epilepsy, vertigo, 
etc., are all set down as causes. In acute diseases of the 
mother, which are attended by fever, the foetus may perish 
from the abnormal accumulation of heat. Certain virulent 
disorders, as foot-and-mouth disease, and tuberculosis, may 
<;ause the death and expulsion of the foetus. Dropsy of the 
head, dropsy of the abdomen, and general dropsy, may also 
lead to the death of the foetus, and is almost a certain deter- 
mining cause of its expulsion. Faulty formations or rela- 
tions between the after-birth, malformations of the foetus, 
malpositions, are other causes. The presence of several 
foetuses often leads to abortion in the single bearing ani- 
mals, as the Mare, Cow, and Sheep. Disease of the womb, 
will be very likely to lead to the premature expulsion of the 
ovum or foetus. Inflammation of the womb, as well as new 



94 OBSTETRICS — Domesticated Animals. 

formations, such as tumors and cancers, -also enormous 
tumors in the abdomen, ovarian dropsy, etc., will predispose 
to or excite abortion. 

Abortion has not un frequently been ascribed to some 
defects or other influences in the niiale, as debility arising 
from too frequent usage, also poor health. There is abund* 
?nt evidence that a m;ale enfeebled by too much use, is very 
likely to be a cause of abortion in the females to which he 
is put. Abortion has also been said to frequently occur 
when the mile was larger and more powerful than, the'female. 
Various injuries, as external violence, may not only injure 
the womb, so as to produce abortion, but the foetus may sus- 
tain bruises and damage. The foetus may be poisoned by 
food or iTJiedicines which do not produce any npticeable 
effect on the parent. 

SYMPTOMS OF SPORADIC, OR ACCIDENTAL 
ABOl^TION. — The symptoms of abortion are extremely 
varied. Abortion may occur without any symptoms or 
demonstrations so far as the female is concerned : while in 
others the symptoms indica^-^ a very serious condition. This 
usually depends on the period of pregnancy at which the 
accident occurs. 

Generally, abortion takes place without any previous 
indications, and the animal may be as well and lively as 
usual UD to the moment when the foetus is expelled : and the 
expulsion itself is so sudden, so prompt, and accomplished 
with so little visible effort or disturbance, that the accident 
in most cases receives very little, if anv. notice. It frequently 
occurs during the night, and wonder is often expressed at 
findine^ in the morning the aborted foetus — generally con- 
tained in its intact envelops — lying behind an animal which, 
on the previous evening looked perfectly well, and even now 
is so cheerful and unaltered, and its functions so "unim- 
paired, that it can scarcely be believed that it has been the 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 95 

subject of such a mishap. Even the sentiment of maternity, 
which is so strongly developed in animals, is not awakened 
in favor of the expelled foetus, and the mother shows the 
utmost indifference to it, even treading on it as if it were 
in no way related to her. 

When this simple abortion has taken place during the 
day, it has been noted that the flank falls in a little, the ab- 
domen descends, the vulva and vagina slightly dilate, and 
there escapes from them a glutinous (sometimes tinged 
with blood) fluid, with which the foetus is passed almost 
without effort. As before mentioned, the ovum or foetus 
is generally expelled in its intact membranes ; this more fre- 
quently happens at an early stage of pregnancy. Some- 
times, however, the water-bag ruptures at the commence- 
ment of abortion, and the embryo or foetus escapes with a 
small quantity of water, the envelops being rejected soon 
after; or in some instances they may be retained in the 
womb, and thus constitute a source of danger, the animal 
not making any effort to get rid of them. The foregoing 
are the symptoms of that which is termed SIMPLE ABOR- 
TION, and which is most frequently witnessed during the 
first half of pregnancv. So little disturbance does this kind 
of abortion cause, that the animal will not require treat- 
ment, with the exception of a Httle care from exposure for 
several davs. 

In what is termed LABORIOUS, DIFFICULT, or 
COMPLICATED SPORADIC ABORTION, which is 
often due to external causes, such as injuries, the preceding 
symptoms are generally well marked, and vary somewhat, 
according as the foetus may be dead or alive. The animal 
suddenly appears dull and peculiarly dejected ; or it is rest- 
less, uneasy, and continually moving about; if pregnancy 
is advanced and the foetus is alive and strong, on watching 
the cilxlf^r^en ntt'^iitivclv, the movements of the foetus will 



96 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

be perceived to be frequent, violent, and disordered, but 
they soon become feeble and infrequent, and cease altogether 
when the foetus has succumbed. The appetite is lost, a 
plaintive neigh in the Mare, moan in the Cow, or bleat in 
the Sheep, is emitted every now and again; the pulse is 
quick, small, and hard as in haemorrhage; progression is 
difficult and unsteady, the exppression is anxious, and respi- 
ation hurried. When the foetus is alive there is less 
prostration, and much abdominal pain. The animal often 
looks anxiously towards the flanks, paws with its fore feet 
and stamps with its hind ones, moves from side to side, per- 
spires at the flank, breast, and elsewhere; lies down and 
gets up again, whisks the tail incessantly, and exhibits every 
indication of increasing restlessness. At the same time the 
abdomen loses its round shape, and drops ; if the animal is iit 
milk, the udder becomes soft and diminished in size more- 
or less rapidly, while the milk secretions diminish ; but if the 
animal is not yielding milk, then, on the contrary, the udders^ 
enlarge and become swollen ; the vulva is puffed and swol- 
len, and from it escapes a tenacious mucus, streaked with 
blood, and if the foetus is dead this mucus has a more or 
less foul odor, according to circumstances. Then follow 
symptoms analogous to those which characterize normal 
parturition — the womb begins to contract, and the expira 
tory muscles act simultaneously with, it; the expulsive ef» 
forts, or "labour pains," acting more or less energetically 
and continuously, according to the suddenness of the abor- 
tion and the strength and health of the animal. The first 
result of this straining is the evacuation of the rectum and 
bladder ; the next is the dilatation of the moutE of the womb 
and protrusion of the foetal membranes into the vagina, 
then through the vulva, where they appear externally as 
the "water-bag"; this may rupture and the water escape, 
and the pains becoming more powerful, the foetus is at last 
expelled, either nude, or covered bv the membranes. This 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 97 

act occupies a variable period— ^from a few to many hours, 
according to the strength of the animal; and it may even 
require human intervention to bring it to a successful ter- 
mination. In other instances, however, the foetus is not 
expelled immediately after it is dead, but after many of the 
preceding symptoms just described have been manifested; 
with the cessation of the movements of the foetus the animal 
regains its ordinary tranquility, appetite, and liveliness, and 
all the symptoms disappear for one or more days, when they 
again set in, and the foetus may be rejected without any 
apparent effort, or after much straining. 

In the case of more than one foetus, it may happen that 
the one nearest the mouth of the womb is dead, and is ex- 
pelled, the others being alive are retained until pregnancy 
is complete; or the contrary may occur, the living foetus 
being next to the mouth of the womb, prevent the escape 
of the dead one, and these being kept in the womb until the 
delivery of the others takes place, become compressed, or 
mumimified. When abortion suddenlv sets in, and nothinsf 
is prepared for its being carried to a successful termination, 
either on the part of the foetus or the mother, the mother 
becomes exhausted by ineffectual efforts, and soon passes 
into a critical condition. 

Abortion differs from normal parturition chiefly in the 
state of the neck of the womb. Towards the termination of 
pregnancy, this part of the womb becomes gradually 
shortened and softer; but in abortion we do not have these 
progressive changes which are so favorable to the passage 
of the foetus from the cavity of the womb outwards. The 
neck is long and rigid as in the non-pregnant condition, 
and its dilatation is therefore slower, more difficult and more 
incomplete than when gestation has reached its termination. 
To counterbalance this, there is the small size of the foetus, 
which does not require so much space for its passage as if 



98 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

it were full grown; so that the difficulty is less on this ac- 
count, though the other difficulties we so often encounter in 
parturition may all be present. 

RESULTS OF SPORADIC, OR ACCIDENTAL 
ABORTION. — Abortion is always a serious accident, if 
only from the loss of the foetus. It is frequently compli- 
cated by bleeding (haemorrhage), which may have been the 
first cause of the action of the womb ; it may also result in 
rupture of the womb, from the efforts the animal makes to 
overcome the resistance offered by the neck of that organ ; 
indeed, we may have the usual complications that attend 
parturition. But in many cases the complications are few 
and trifling, the animal experiencing very little inconven- 
ience. When the accident occurs in the Cow before the 
fifth month, the secretion of milk is generally interrupted, 
often for a year, as the udders have not had time to exper- 
ience the reflex or sympathetic influence which stimulates 
them into activity: when, however, it takes place in the last 
half of pregnancy the secretion may be established, though 
the yield is usually diminished, and the glands do not fur- 
nish their usual quantity until the next pregnancy. 

Abortion may produce protrusion or prolapsus of the 
womb and vagina, and sometimes even of the rectum. 

When abortion takes place during the latter half of 
pregnancy, the foetal membranes are frequentlv retained, 
wholly or partially, v/hen the foetus comes awav ; and ow- 
ing to the condition of the neck of the womb and its rapid 
contraction, they are included in the cavitv of the womb, 
and constitute what is termed ''retention of the after-birth. '*^ 
This often is a serious complication in the Cow after the 
first third of pregnancy, the membranes decomposing and 
giving rise to putrid infection and other alarming condi- 
tions. 

In the simplest cases of abortion, "heat" appears in the- 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 99 

Cow in from one to two weeks after the miscarriage, and 
<:onception may occur then; but frequently impregnation 
does not take place until after several returns of ''heat/' and 
often a whole year elapses before impregnation. In other 
instances, ^heat" does not appear until the full interval of 
regular pregnancy has elapsed, and then the animal con- 
<;eives almost as readily as before the mishap. Another very 
common result is the tendency to abortion after every con- 
ception ; and with, some animals there remains an almost 
persistent state of ^heat," accompanied by barrenness. 

DIAGNOSIS. — In the diagnosis we have to determine 
if abortion is in progress. And to do this in time to pre- 
vent it, is not so very easy, although it is very easy to dis- 
tinguish during or after the expulsion of the foetus. But 
when abortion first manifests itself, the symptoms attending 
it are very misleading and might be taken for those of slight 
colic; many good practitioners have been deceived by the 
signs and symptoms, and have diagnosticated the case either 
indig\„stion, inflammation of the bowels, or some other mal- 
ady which disappears after the expulsion of the foetus. 
Such a mistake is unfortunate for the reputation of the 
practitioner, as well as for the owner of the animal, whose 
interests suffer : for if a miscarriage had been diagnosticated 
in proper time it might have been prevented and pregnancy 
allowed to run its normal course. To prevent such an error, 
it is well to know that a mistake i*^ possible ; so that if called 
in to attend an animal ofifering some of the foregoing 
symptoms, the first inquiry should be as to whether it is 
pregnant; then the external organs of generation — the vulva 
^nd udder — bought to be examined with the greatest care, 
and the actual symptoms thoroughly taken into considera- 
tion. This being done, it will often be found that this is a 
case of threatened abortion; and that, when taken in time, 
the abortion can be averted by prompt and proper treat- 
ment. L.oiC. 



100 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

It may happen that information is required as to 
whether abortion has occurred in the animal. In the absence 
of the foetus or its envelops, such a question is not easily 
answered; and the difficulty is increased if the foetus is un- 
developed, and a long interval has elapsed since the supposed 
date of the suspected abortion ; and after the fifteenth day it 
is almost impossible to assert with absolute certainty that 
abortion has occurred, the generative organs having at that 
date resumed their ordind.ry condition. Therefore, it is only 
by an early inspection of these that we can enlighten our- 
selves as to what may have taken place. In this inspection 
is included that of the udders, which are always a little 
swollen, hard, and painful, and often yield a small quantity 
of milk after a recent abortion ; the tail, the hair of which is 
soiled and matted by blood, mucus, and the waters; the 
vulva, which is swollen and dilated, and its membranes often 
presents, in addition to its uniform and more or less deep- 
red color, spots due to the rubbing or bruising it experiences 
during the passage of the foetus. On carefully exploring 
the vagina, if the neck of the womb is found to be softer 
than usual and the mouth of the womb partially open, and 
better still, if the hand can be introduced without much 
difficulty into the cavitv of the womb, and a quantity of 
bloody fluid, or fluid streaked with blood, or remains of 
foetal membranes, is discovered in the womb, it may be con- 
cluded that a foetus has been recently expelled. 

TREATMENT IN SPORADIC, OR ACCIDENTAL 

ABORTION. — With regard to preventive treatment, this 
must mainly depend ixpon a knowledge of the causes which 
prodlice abortion fsee causes of abortion, also hygiene of 
pregnancy). With regard to animals which have a predis- 
position to abortion, they should not be bred fromi. But if 
\t is desired to breed from them, if they are Cows, they must 
not be put frequently to the male, and certainly not before 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 101 

eighteen months or two years have elapsed since the last 
abortion. When pregnancy has again occurred, every pre- 
-caution should be observed to continue it to a successful 
termination, by avoiding or removmg those causes which 
previously induced abortion in the animal, also the general 
health should be attended to, therefore combating an over- 
abundance of flesh and blood on one hand, or a debilitated 
condition on the other; guarding agamst constipation by 
^giving proper food and administering mild physics, as 
small doses of raw linseed oil ; also guarding against irrita- 
tion. Should there be slight irritations, or any indications 
of abortion, whether general or of the womb, administer 
laudanum by the rectum ; and allow only gentle exercise 
towards the end of pregnancy. 

DOSE OF LAUDANUM.— Mare, one drachm ; Cow, 
two drachms ; Sheep and Pig, ten drops. Mix the laudanum 
vv^ith not more than a wine-glassful of warm water, and in- 
ject into the rectum. Repeat the injection every two hours 
if necessary, until three injections have been given. With 
the Bitch, give three drops of laudanum by the mouth, every 
two hours, if necessary, until three doses have been given. 

When abortion appears to be close at hand, active and 
prompt intervention generally becomes necessary in order 
to avert it. Therefore it must be accurately distinguished 
if the foetus is alive or dead. (To prepare yourself for this 
difficulty, carefully read Signs of Pregnancy ; especially the 
Sensible Signs of Pregnancy, in another part of this treat- 
ise.) If the foetus is found to be alive, and the membranes 
are not ruptured, and labor pains have been few and not 
severe, the abortion may be checked or prevented by keep- 
ing the animal in the most perfect quiet possible — alone in 
a darkened place, with doors and windows closed, if con- 
venient, and the administration of narcotics. The narcotic 
may be laudanum, chloral hydrate, or chloroform. Lauda- 
num is preferable and should be given as follows : 



102 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

DOSE OF LAUDANUM.-4Mare and Cow, one and 
one-half drachms; Sheep and Pig, twenty drops. Mix in 
not more than a wine-glassful of tepid water, and give by 
the rectum in the form of an injection. Repeat the injec- 
tion in half an hour, if necessary^, and thereafter every hour 
until the pain and straining have subsiided. 

Some authorities prefer chloroform and assert that it 
has yielded extraordinary results in abortion cases, by sud- 
denly arresting the straining. 

DOSE OF CHLOROFORM TO PREVENT ABOR- 
TION. — Mare and Cow, two drachms ; Sheep and Pig, 
twenty drops ; Bitch, ten drops. As chloroform is very vol- 
atile it will be necessary to mix it quickly with three or four 
ounces of sweet oil and give at once by the mouth as a 
draught. Repeat the dose in half an hour if necessary, and 
every hour thereafter until the pain and straining subsides. 

After the administration or either laudanum or chloro- 
form, the abdomen should be gently rubbed for some time, 
and the stall well bedded; and if the animal will eat and 
drink, allow only small quantities of gruel for one or two 
days, or until all danger has passed, when it may be grad- 
ually put upon ordinary diet, and allowed to resume slow 
and light occupation. 

If the foetus is found to be dead, or if the foetus is 
alive and the foetal membranes are ruptured, which is indi- 
cated by the escape of the waters, abortion is inevitable, and 
there are no means of preventing the expulsion of the foe- 
tus; the object must then be to favor the expulsion of the 
foetus as speedily as possible, and remove the envelops, 
should there be any likelihood of their being retained in the 
womb. In the m.ajority of cases, active intervention is of 
but little value, and is only to be recommended when the 
labour is slow and tedious, and the animal is becoming ex- 
hausted by fruitless straining, or when labour is altogether 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 103 

suspended after the escape of the "waters." When interven- 
tion is decided upon, oil the hand and with it remove all the 
dung- frorri the rectum ; then cleanse the hand with tepid 
water, and finally with a solution of carbolic acid (thirty 
drops of the acid to one pint of water) ; now oil the Hand 
with clean oil — as sweet oil, or fresh lard — and carefully in- 
troduce the oiled hand into the vagina, and if the mouth of 
the womb is found to be contracted or not sufficiently open 
to admit the hand, it must be gently dilated by the index or 
other fingers, until the interior of the womb can be reached, 
when the foetus is to be seized and removed in the usual 
way; should it be in a wrong position, or should there be 
any obstacles to its egress, then we must proceed according 
to directions given in abnormal presentations of the foetus. 
In abortion the foetus being small, we seldom encounter any 
difficulties from this cause. 

If it should happen that the neck of the»womb is con- 
tracted, and shows no sign of yielding to gentle manipula- 
tion of the fingers, then measures should be adopted to re- 
lax it. For this purpose belladonna ointment will be found 
to be very serviceable; take of the powdered extract of 
belladonna one part, to four parts of lard; mix, and intro"- 
duce into the vagina, and with the hand apply around the 
neck of the womb. Should this fail, other means must be 
resorted to^, as described under Mechanical Dilatation of the 
Mouth of the Womb. If the passage has become dry after 
the escape of the "waters," injections of glycerine will be 
found beneficial. Powdered extract of belladonna should 
be administered internally, particularly if the animal is ex- 
hausted. 



104 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

DOSE OF POWDERED EXTRACT OF BELLA- 
DONNA. — Mare and Cow, ten grains : Sheep and Pig, two 
grains ;Bitch, one-eighth grain. Repeat the dose every six 
hours until the animal is relieved. Gruel, beef-tea, milk, or 
other strengthening fluids will also be required. 

If the membranes come away with the foetus, there is 
little more to be done; though in the contrary case, which 
frequently occurs in abortion as well as premature birth, tlie 
membranes are strongly adherent to the after-birth of the 
womb, and their retention, particularly in Cattle, is often 
troublesome. Some practitioners prefer to remove these 
membranes immediately by carefully separating them with 
the hand ; and this is easily accomplished so long as th<^ 
mouth of the womb is dilated, which it usually is for three 
days after delivery. Other practitioners prefer to wait for 
nature's assistance, and only provide the following simple 
precautions : When they find the membranes firmly adher- 
ent, and their separation from the womb likely to be at- 
tended with inconvenience, as well as injury, they only par- 
tially detach them, then collect and twist them into a rope- 
like form, and leave the mass protruding through the mouth 
of the womb, in the vagina; so that should the neck of the 
womlb contract, this rope-like mass can be gently pulled, 
which will not only assist in the expulsion of the mem- 
branes, but will excite the muscles of the womb to action and, 
causing that organ to renew its efforts of expulsion. In a 
short time the after-birth becomes loosened and is then 
readily removed by gentle pulling of the rope mass. How- 
ever, caution must be used in pulling this rope, or it will 
tear and become severed from the main portion. (Also read 
Retention of the Foetal Envelops or After-birth.) A few ex- 
perienced practitioners rely on internal medicine for the sep- 
aration of the after-birth and the membranes. One of them,. 
has long and successfully administered the following: 



OcsTETRics — Domesticated Aximal'"^. 105 

Powdered Laurel Berries, one and three-fourths ounce. 

Bicarbonate of Soda one ounce. 

Infusion of Fennel half pint. 

Mix and give as a drench at one dose to the Mare and 
Cow ; give one-half as a dose to the Sheep and Pig, and one- 
third to the Bitch and Cat. Repeat the dose three times a day 
until the membranes pass away, which will usually take 
place on the second or third day. Also give to the Mare 
and Cow about eight or ten pints a day of a decoction of 
the meal of linseed-cake until the membranes have passed. 
Give proportionately to other animals. 

An animal which has aborted requires attention after 
the delivery of the foetus. It should be kept clean, fed on 
gruel and easily digested food, though not in excess ; kept 
from draughts of air, particularly in cold weather, and 
nursed for some days. The complications which sometimes 
accompany this accident are the same as those of normal 
parturition, and will be alluded to under that subject (which 
see). The animal should not be allowed to become impreg- 
nated at the next period of heat, and perhaps better if not at 
the succeeding period. 

EPIZOOTIC, ENZOOTIC, OR INFECTIOUS 
ABORTION. 

This differs from sporadic, or accidental abotion par- 
ticularly from its attacking all, or nearly all, the pregnant 
animals (especially the Cows) on a farm or pasture, over 
a wide district, or even throughout an entire country, for 
perhaps a succession of years — thus constituting itself a 
veritable scourge to agriculture. In the United States, it 
has proved a scourge in somte of the horse producing re- 
gions, where it seems to have made its appearance in recent 
years. It is only since 1866 that it has attracted attention 
in the Mississippi Valley, and gradually increasing in sever- 



106 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

itv, in 1889 ^"<^1 1^90 it caused great havoc — the losses 
through Mares aborting amounting to as many as 75 per 
cent, in some regions ; in others, one-half of the Mares 
aborted. The Horse-breeding areas in Illinois and adjoin- 
ing states suffered most. In Kentucky in 1892, it was re- 
ported that 75 per cent, of the brood Mares were either 
barren or had lost their Foals that spring. And since that 
date infectious abortion has given more or less trouble in 
different sections of the United States. 

CAUSES OF EPIZOOTIC, ENZOOTIC, OR IN- 
FECTIOUS ABORTION.— So long ago as the end of the 
last century, contagion or infection was believed to play the 
principal, if not the sole part in many outbreaks; for it was 
observed that when a Cow aborted in a place where other 
pregnant Cows were kept, these would abort in succession 
until all, or nearly all, had miscarried. Not only this, but 
it has often happened that a newly purchased Cow-in-calf 
has been introduced into a farm where the Cows had al- 
ready calved favorably at the proper time ; and when the 
stranger has aborted, first one, then another, then a third, 
and so on, of the others have experienced the same misfor- 
tune, and the malady has persisted in the place for consecu- 
tive years. Again, when pregnant Cows which were living 
in a place \yhere the disease had not existed, have been in- 
troduced into a stable where it prevails, those that are at 
the end of gestation calve regularly and normally ; but if 
they are a certain time in the infected stable before this per- 
iod is reached, they abort like the others. The bad hygiene 
of cowsheds and stables appear to have no influence on abor- 
tion, as it appears quite as severely and readily in those 
which are well ventilated and cleansed as in those in the op- 
posite conditions ; in fact, nothing can so well explain the 
occurrence of particular outbreaks of epizootic or infectious 
abortion as the preser:ce of a contagious or miasmatic in- 
fection. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 107 

It has been proven and established by microscopical in- 
vestigation, that on the lining membrane of the vagina and 
vulva there is constantly found a minute fungus mixed 
with the mucus, which is a kind of bacilli or microbe. To- 
wards the period of parturition these bodies become extra- 
ordinarily abundant, and they seem to cause the decompo- 
sition of the foetal membranes and their expulsion ; when 
the after-birth and membranes are retained and putrefy in 
the womb, these microbes are extremely numerous. It has 
been asserted that it is sufficient to introduce into the vagina 
some of these microbes or bacteria, which will multiply 
there, and penetrating to the womb, commence their work 
of decomposition, to produce abortion. In cases where 
these microbes were inocculated in Cows which were preg- 
nant from five to seven months, in twelve, fourteen, and 
twenty-one days after the inocculation they aborted. It has 
also been shown that by smearing the canal of the vagina 
of a pregnant animal to a certain depth with the matter 
from the expelled membranes of one which has been de- 
livered, abortion can be induced. 

There is sufficient proof that infectious abortion is 
caused by a specific germ or microbe that, when transmitted 
from an animal that has aborted, or from the aborted foetus 
or its envelops, to another pregnant animal of the same 
species, will cause it to abort. The microbe may obtain in- 
troduction to the genital passage through actual contact with 
these matters, or the air may carry it to them when the dis- 
charges have become dried. 

In the animial which has aborted the previous year, and 
is afterward barren, a mixed variety of microbes will be 
found, while the matter obtained by scraping the lining 
membrane of the womb gives a slightly acid reaction which 
is undoubtedly the cause of the animal being incapable of 
impregnation; as the male generative germ (spermatozoa) 
cannot retain vitalitv in other than an alkaline medium. 



108 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

SYMPTOMS OF EPIZOOTIC, ENZOOTIC, OR 
INFECTIOUS ABORTION.— It is rare that this kind of 
abortion occurs before the first third of pregnancy has pass- 
ed; more frequently it occurs during the second half of 
pregnancy. There are no premonitory symptoms, except 
perhaps a trifling uneasiness for a few hours previous, 
with sinking of the flanks and descent of the abdomen ; the 
animal 'generally looks well and hearty, and yields its sup- 
ply of milk as usual ; and soon after the foetus is expelled, 
apparently without any eifort or inconvenience, and along 
with its membranes, if these are not ruptured, with or with- 
out them when they are ruptured. It is rare, however, 
that the ruptured membraiies are rejected immediately after 
the foetus ; as a rule they are nearly always retained, par- 
ticularly when pregnancy is advanced ; when they are re- 
tained they putrefy in the womb, being got rid of only In 
shreds at intervals. When attempts are made tO' remove them 
by hand, this is found much more difficult than after ordinary 
parturitfon ; owing to the membranes being very adherent. 
When the membranes come away slowly, the animal general- 
ly loses in appetite and condition, goes oflf its milk, and 
sometimes perishes. If the animal recovers, "heat" appears 
unnaturally frequent, though conception is infrequent and 
barrenness common ; and on the other hand, there are some 
animals which expel the membranes quickly, conceive soon 
after, but agaiw abort as readily — perhaps three times in the 
course of a year. 

The foetus is usually dead, though when it is expelled 
during the second half of pregnancy it may be alive ; but it 
is weakly and soon dies, even when born near the termina- 
tion of pregnancy. These newly born animals make a rat- 
tling noise when breathing, accompanied by the discharge 
of a rusty-colored mucilaginous fluid from the nostrils ; they 
are attacked by diarrhoea, and fire always emaciated and 
flabby, the gums and palate being pale. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. loa 

As has been stated, all the annuals on a pasture or in a 
shed where the disease prevails, do not abort at the same 
time, but at intervals. When one aborts, another appears 
to prepare for the event, which may occur in about eight 
days; then some days after this it is the turn of another, 
and so on until two-thirds, or perhaps even all, of the preg- 
nant animals beyond the first third of gestation have abort- 
ed. It has also been mentioned that it is only after being 
some time in sheds in which the disease is present, that 
newly purchased animals are attacked ; those which are 
nearing parturition escape abortion. There are instances 
recorded in which a pregnant Cow, leaving a shed in which 
abortion prevailed, and transferred to another where the 
accident had not been seen, would remain all right for some 
time, then suddenly miscarry, and in the course of about iif- 
teen days other abortions would occur in this shed — there- 
fore the danger of keeping pregnant animals in contact with 
or in proximity to those which have miscarried in this way. 
It has also been stated that an animal whch aborts either re- 
mains barren, or has always a tendency to abort a.q-ain. But 
it has been observed, especially in cows, that if they are 
well fed, the period that elapses after each abortion is often 
longer ; so that if a Cow aborts the first time at six rruonths, 
:l will do so the second time at the seventh month, and the 
third time a little before the ninth month, reaching its fult 
period in three pregnancies. 

One of the peculiarities of infectious abortion in the 
Mare which is not so perceptible in the other domesticated 
animals is, that very often nothing at all is noticed, the ani- 
mal appearing in as good health as usual ; in other instances 
there is uneasiness, which might pass without attracting 
much attention. Very often the first indication observed is 
the return of "heat" in Mares supposed to be some months 
pregnant; and the animals being at pasture, the expelled 



no Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

foetus escapes detection, until in some of the Mares preg- 
nancy has considerably advanced, when the size of the abor- 
tions lead to the discovery that the disease is rife. The Foals 
that live for a short time have inflammation of the joints, 
which often run on to suppuration. 

TREATMENT FOR EPIZOOTIC, ENZOOTIC, OR 
INFECTIOUS ABORTION.— If the malady is suspected 
to be due to any one particular cause, or if there exists pre- 
disposing causes, then the indications for the prevention or 
cure of this accident are obvious. In the debilitated state 
which seems to favor the occurrence of infectious abortion 
in or after certain rainy seasons, should be remedied by good 
food and tonics, especially is copperas (ferri sulphate) a ser- 
viceable tonic in a debilitated state as well as when abortion 
is due to ergotized food. 

DOSE OF COPPERAS.— Mare, one drachm; Cow, 
two drachms ; Sheep and Pig, twenty grains ; Bitch and Cat, 
one grain. To be given three times a day mixed with the 
food. 

In cattle-sheds where Cows aborted year after year, 
Brauer has employed carbolic acid with the most marked 
success. He gave it to Cows which were from; five to seven 
months pregnant, by subcutaneous (hypodermic) injection 
in the neighborhood of the flank, the dose being two Pravaz^ 
syringefuls of a two per cent, solution of the acid. 

If, however, abortion is due to the presence of microbes 
transferred from an infected animal, or from something 
which has belonged to an affected animal — then the first 
and fundamental indication is to remove or isolate the- 
source of the mischief. When, therefore, abortion occurs, 
and there is reason to believe that this accident is in its 
nature infectious, the foetus and all pertaining to it should' 
be removed as promptly and completely as possible from the 
shed or place in which the abortion has occurred. The ani- 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 1 1 1 

mal itself should also be removed — or, better still, the other 
pregnant animals in the same barn or shed should be moved 
away to another building — and either kept altogether isolat- 
ed, or at least away from all other pregnant animals. The 
animal which has aborted should have a special attendant: 
this attendant should not go near the unaffected pregnant 
animals, and the excretions from this animal Should be 
carefully kept out of the way of the other animals. The 
place in which the abortion has occurred, and especially if 
it contains more pregnant animals, ought to be immediately 
cleared of all manure and other matters of an objectionable 
kind, the drains and the floor — particularly that of the stall 
which has been occupied by the animal which has aborted — 
being thoroughly swilled with water, and sprinkled with 
lime and sulphur, to which has been added a very small 
quantity of carbolic acid : the walls should also be lime- 
washed ; a good layer of straw may then be laid down, and 
the animals replaced. The stables should be kept clean 
and well ventilated for a number of davs, and the drains well 
flushed and disinfected with lime and carbolic acid. 

The animal which has aborted must also at once be at- 
tended to. If the membranes have not been discharged, thev 
should be removed as early as possible, and not allowed to 
putrefy; their removal should be effected by the hand, the 
same as in sporadic abortion (which see). After the removal 
of the membranes inject the following solution into the 
vagina and womb : 

Carbolic Acid .tliirty drops. 

Water (warm) one pint. 

And with a 5 per cent, solution of carbolic acid sponge 
thoroughly about the vulva, over the tail and down the back 
part of the thighs. The membranes themselves must be de- 
sfroved or buried, and the animal should not be allowed to 
go near others which are pregnant so long as there is any 



112 OiJSTETRics — Domesticated Animals. 

discharge from the vulva; for safety, the period of isolation 
should extend at least to from eight to fifteen days. The 
■ animal may require good nursing in the meantime; and it 
should not be put to the male until every trace of irritation 
in the generative organs has disappeared. If animals show 
any symptoms of impending abortion ,they ought to be 
promptly removed from the vicinity of others which are 
pregnant. 

The following precautionary treatment, w^ierever 
adopted, has been found exceedingly successful, in stables 
where abortion among animals is frequent: i. Once a week 
the stables are to be well cleansed, particularly behind the 
animals, and then sprinkled with a strong solution of sul- 
phate of copper, or of carbolic acid — one part to fifty of 
water. 2. The tail, anus, vulva, and thence downwards to 
the hoofs of the hind limbs of every animal inhabiting these 
infected stables, to be sponged with the following prepara- 
tion : 

Distilled or Rain Water two gallons. 

Hydrochloric Acid two and one-half ounces. 

Corrosive Sublimate. . .two and one-half drachms. 

These ingredients to be thoroughly mixed ; and as the 
preparation is poisonous to man and beast, care must be 
taken. 

Foals aflfected with joint-disease (this being considered 
of the same nature as that which leads to abortion, and cap- 
able of producing that accident) should be destroyed and 
their bodies burnt : if, however, the fo^.l is suffered to live, 
it should be separated from pregnant Mares before the 
swellings have suppurated or become sores. All Mares 
dams of Foals with affected joints, should be subjected to 
the same antiseptic treatment as if they had aborted. 

Should abortion be traced to the food — ergotized or 
otherwise dan".?ged fodder, or water, of course the use of 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 113 

this must, if possible, be prohibited, and a change resorted 
to. If the pasture grasses are ergotized, then the pregnant 
animals, as a matter of precaution, should be removed from 
them^, and placed in more favorable conditions with regard 
to food. It may be remarked ergotized or mouldy dry for- 
age may be rendered safe for consumption by scalding it 
v^ith boiling water or steam, or pickling it in salt. 

It should not be forgotten that, whether abortion be due 
to casual causes or to a virulent microbe, and whenever or 
wherever the accident occurs — whether at pasture, in 
strawyard, shed, or stable — the greatest possible care should 
be taken to isolate the animal, if it is with pregnant animals 
of the same species, and to bury everything — foetus, mem- 
branes, etc., as well as to destroy all traces of discharges 



NORMAL PARTURITION— NATURAL BIRTH- 
NATURAL LABOR ORNATURAL 
DELIVERY. 

NORMAL, NATURAL PARTURITION, or BIRTH 
is the expulsion of the foetus from the womb through the 
maternal passages, by natural forces, when it is sufficiently 
developed to live external to its parent. This act is des- 
ignated "foaling" when occuring in the Mare, ''calving" in 
the Cow, "lambing" in the Sheep, "pupping" in the Bitch, 
etc. It receives the designation of "normal," "natural," 
when it is accomplished in a manner favorable to the par- 
ent and offspring by natural forces alone, without foreign 
assistance. Parturition even when natural, is accompanied 
by pain, general disturbance and uneasiness, and violent 
efforts. And during birth nature does not appear to obey 
those immutable laws so strictly as in the accomplishment 
of other physiological acts, but makes frequent and wide 
deviations ; though these do not often compromise the final 



114 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

result. We never find two births exactly alike, but each 
offers something peculiar when attentively observed; 

CAUSES OF PARTURITION.— Though paiturition 
only occurs at the end of pregnancy, nevertheless this act 
is being prepared for from an early period in the develop- 
ment of the ovum. During the evolution and development 
of the ovum, the womb increases in a corresponding man- 
ner, and its muscular structure is proportionately augment- 
ed. When, towards the termination of pregnancy, the ovum 
has reached maturity, and the organs necessary for the in- 
dependent existence of the foetus are completely developed, 
certain alterations occur, both in the womb and the foetal 
connections with it, which bring about the expulsion of the 
young creature. 

These alterations would appear to consist in a grad- 
ually increasing fatty degeneration of the membranes, 
which are gradually destroyed by a regressive process in 
the cells lying between them ; while the blood which was 
sent to the womb is now diverted towards the udder, for 
the secretion of milk. The exchange of materials between 
the womb and foetus is lessened : the foetus is always more 
or less of a parasite, but with its greatly augmented 
weight and volume it becomies like a foreign body in the 
cavity of the womb, which aids in the change. At all the 
places where the cell degeneration has reached a certain 
stage, the termination of the nerves are irritated. But to 
obtain a reflex action, and consequent contraction of the 
muscles of the womb, a certain amount of continuous irri- 
tation is necessarv. This sum once obtained, a reflex action 
lakes place in the form of a contraction, which, however, is 
slight at the beginning. Then a pause follows, until the 
sum of the irritation is again sufiicient to cause a contrac- 
tion. By the increase in intensity of the contractions the 
wall of the womb is removed from; the foetal envelops or 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. US- 

membranes, and this separation becomes a new source of 
irritation to the nerve-fibers of the womb. The reflex action^ 
in the form of labor-pains, becomes more and more power- 
ful, until these follow at last in rapid succession and com- 
plete the expulsion of the young creature. 

EXPELLING POWERS IN NATURAL PARTUR- 
ITION, OR LABOUR.— The expulsive force by which 
parturition is effected resides in the muscular fibers of the 
womb; these cause the womb to contract in a rhythmical 
and involuntary manner, the contraction of the abdominal 
muscles being merely auxiHary. Expulsion is not effected 
by one contraction, but by a series of contractions, which 
are accompanied by pain and designated "labour pains"; 
between each of these there is an interval of apparent re- 
pose, during which the womb seems to be gathering 
strength for a new effort. At the commencement, corre- 
sponding to the slight irritation, the contraction is feeble 
and short, and the time required to obtain the necessary 
sum of irritation for a new reflex action is comparatively 
long ; though the walls of the womb are not relaxed on their 
contents. As parturition progresses, and the separation 
between the womb and foetus increases, the irritation be- 
comes stronger and the intervals between the contractions 
shorter, while the labour pains become more intense and of 
longer duration. 

At the first, and second stage of parturition, the whole 
of the womb contracts during each regular pain. The horns 
of the womb likewise contract ; they are twisted on them- 
selves, are shortened through the action of the muscles, and 
are brought nearer the body of the womb, which is also 
shortened ; and as this shortening is always taking place in 
the direction of the neck of the womb, it is here that the 
sum total of the expelling force is centered ; and it is this 
force, commencing to operate at the body of the womb, and 



116 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

exerted on the "water bag," which gradually opens the 
mouth of the womb for the extrusion or thrusting out of the 
foetus. The foetus with its envelops, first acts as a stimu- 
lus to the womb, but they soon begin to play quite a me- 
chanical part in the dilatation of the already greatly short- 
ened neck of the womb, which becomes thinner as the con- 
tractions force the bag of waters against it; so that the 
mouth ' of the womb is gradually widened, and the necK 
really becomes a part of the womb cavity. As soon as the 
mouth of the womb is slightly opened, the bag of waters 
enters it and acts as a mJechanical dilator; then the lower 
parts of the fore limbs, succeeded by the head of the foetus, 
are introduced, and from their combined shape act like a 
wedge, until, by the irregular pressure, the chest is passed m, 
and the neck of the womb being drawn over the presenting 
parts, the mouth of the womb is of the same diameter as the 
vagina, which then, with the womb, constitutes one com- 
mon cavity. 

If the womb of single bearing animals contain twa 
foetuses, the two horns of the womb are about the same 
size, each having a foetus in the same position as if there 
were onlv one in the cavity of the womb. In general, the 
two foetuses present the fore limbs, although it sometimes 
happens that the second or the first, or even both, present 
posteriorly; frequently the second foetus makes a mal-pre- 
sentation. In twin births, parturition is more difficult and 
slower than when there is only one; another feature in twin 
pregnancies is that parturition often occurs before the or- 
dinary time; and even when this has been reached, usually 
one or both foetuses are smaller and weaker than when- 
there is only a single foetus. When twin parturition sets in, 
the womb contraction commences almost simultaneously in 
both horns ; but as the two foetuses cannot be born together,, 
that which is most advanced is delivered first, the other, 
which is behind it, mechanically aiding in its expulsion. In 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. H? 

the Mare the interval between the birth of twins is rarely 
more than ten minutes ; with the Cow it may be one or two 
hours ; and with the Ewe half an hour. When the position 
of the second foetus is favorable, it is usually expelled more 
rapidly and easily than the first. When the number of 
foetuses are greater than two, they are also expelled at in- 
tervals. 

With the small multiparous animals, in which the foe- 
tuses are expelled one after another, each fraction of the 
v/omb coresponding to a foetus contracts in turn — at first 
the segment of one of the horns nearest the neck of the 
womb, then the next segment, and so on until the one in 
the region of the ovary is reached, so as to get rTd of all 
successively; although the contractions of the womb are 
general, they are more energetic at the portions intermediate 
to the foetuses. 



Fig. 14. 
DILATOR OF THE NECK OF THE WOMB. 

The contractions of the womb are very powerful. They 
are always more continuous and energetic in the Mare than 
in the Cow. Frequently they are more powerful in weak- 
looking animals than in those which are robust and vigorous ; 
their energy depending upon the muscular structure of the 
womb. 

After the complete dilatation of the mouth of the womb, 
the third stage of delivery begins; the resistance is no longer 
at the neck of the womb, but in the womb itself, and now 
* the muscles of that organ come into action, in order to 
diminish the cavity of the womb and quite expel its con- 
tents. In this they are greatly -aided by the abdominal mus- 
cles, which until now could assist but little; the animal 
strains, as in voiding dung or urine, but with all its force; 



118 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



and these efforts in which nearly all the muscles of tiie 
trunk share, soon bring labour to a termination. 

SIGNS AND COURSE OF NORMAL PARTURITION, 

OR LABOUR. 

For convenience and facility of description and study, 
the entire period of labour will be divided into four stages, 
or periods : i. Preliminary Stage; 2. Dilatation of the Mouth 
of the Womb ; 3. Expulsion of the Foetus ; 4. Expulsion of 
the Membranes. 




Fig. 15. 

NORMAL POSITION OF THE FOETUS IN THE MARE AT 
THE FIRST STAGE OF PARTURITION. 

I. SIGNS AND COURSE OF THE PRELIMIN- 
ARY STAGE OF NORMAL LABOUR.— One of the 
most important signs is the enlargement and increased sen- 
sibility of the udders to which the excess of blood no longer 
required in the womb is directed. These glands become vol- 
uminous, hard and tender; and these signs are more re- 
markable in those animals whose milk is not utilized after 
the young have been weaned. In the Mare and Ewe, the 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 119 

udders, ordinarily small and scarcely perceptible, before 
parturition they become so remarkably developed as to 
cause alarm in people who do not understand the cause. 
With the Mare especially, the development of the udder is 
sometimes so great, that the enlargement extends along the 
surface of the belly and has the appearance of a watery 
swelling; or it ascends between the thighs as high as the 
vulva as a prominent ridge, while the skin in the region 
generally looks reddened. At a later period, the teat yields 
a watery fluid or pressure, which afterwards becomes the 
^'colostrum" or first milk. 

Another prelimiinary sign is the increase of space be- 
tween the lips of the vulva, which become soft and flabby, 
while their lining membrane is reddened, and a glairy mu- 
cus covers it. This mucus soon becomes. so abundant that 
it is discharged in long, thread-like streams, particularly in 
the Cow, and soils the tail and hocks ; it is destined to lubri- 
cate the genital passages, and -facilitate the extrusion of the 
foetus. With these changes the abdomen falls, or rather, 
becomes more pendent; the croup and flanks look hollow, 
due to the relaxation of the broad ligaments. The spine in 
the lumbar region inclines downward, as if yielding to the 
weight of the abdomen. The haunches appear to be wider 
apart. The animal walks sluggishly and unwillingly, and 
if grazing with others does not appear to care about fol- 
lowing them. Sometimes there is swelling of the limbs, 
particularly the hind ones. If very careful exploration or 
examination of the vagina be made at this time, it will be 
found that the neck of the womb has becomic a part of 
the womb cavity, being reduced to merely a thin circular 
ring; it is soft to the touch, and the mouth of the womb is 
slightly open in those animals which have previously had 
young. 

As parturition draws nearer, these signs are more 
marked. The anim.al also begins to be restless, and con- 



1^0 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

tinually agitated; if feeding it stops for some moments, as 
if listening to some sound only audible to itself, or as if ex- 
periencing some strange internal sensation for the first time, 
which undoubtedly is the commencing contractions of the 
womb. Frequently the animal lies down and gets up again, 
as if suffering from colic. Some are quite mute, though 
anxious and uneasy: while others, in addition to exhibiting 
restlessness and distress, utter a half-stifled cry ^of pain. 
The Mare whisks its tail, the Cow bellows, the Ewe bleats, 
the Bitch often whines, and the Cat emits a low cry as if in 
suffering. If the animal is at liberty it seeks a remote quiet 
place in which to bring forth its young, and the Bitch, Cat, 
Sow, and Rabbit prepare a special nest. 

SECOND STAGE OF NATURAL LABOR; DILA- 
TATION OF THE MOUTH OF THE WOMB.— This 
is marked by increasing uneasiness of the animal ; pawing, 
lying down and rising frequently in a kind of aimless 
fashion, while the expression of the face betrays suffering. 
When the contractions of the womb really . commence, the 
creature suddenly stops, as if surprised by pain; its eye' 
looks animated and expresses anguish ; the skin is hot, pulse 
quickened, the abdominal walls are rigid and contractea, 
the flank is tense, and very frequently dung or urine are 
voided. During pain at this period, if the neck of the womb 
is examined, it will be found that its border has a tendency 
to become hard and promlinent. When the pain has passed, 
calm succeeds ; the neck of the womb becomes thick and 
elastic, and the mouth of the womb is markedly enlarged. 
Each pain lasts for some seconds to two or three minutes, 
the interval of quiet continuing to about fifteen minutes at 
first; though the interval diminishes when the contractions 
become more frequent, energetic, and prolonged. Then the 
foetal membranes begin to be detached from the inner sur- 
face of the womb and enter the mouth, whence they pass 
into the vagina and between the lips of the vulva, where 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 121 

they appear externally as the "water-bag." In the meantime, 
the fore limbs and the nose and head of the foetus enter the 
mouth of th womb, and dilate it to its fullest etxent, when 
the caviy of the womb forms a canal continuous with the 
vagina. 

THIRD STAGE OF NATURAL LABOR: EXPUL- 
SION OF THE FOETUS.— The pains become more se- 
vere, frequent and sustained, and to the muscular contrac- 
tions of the womb are added those oi the abdominal and 



Fig. 16. 

NORMAL POSITION OF THE FOETUS IN THE MARE AT THE 
SECOND STAGE OF PARTURITION, 
a, First or Outer Water-bag (Allantois) ; b, Second Water- 
bag (Amnion). 

other muscles. If the animal is standing, it brings all its 
limbs under the body, arches the back, elevates the tail, 
slightly flexes the hocks, takes a deep breath, and by a 
powerful contraction of all the muscles of the trunk, it 
brings such an amount of pressure to bear on the foetus 
as to propel it into the pelvic cavity. ^ The "water-bag" 
which protrudes beyond the vulva, increases in volume at 



122 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



each contraction of the womb. The size of the ''water- 
bag" varies in different animals ; being in the Cow about 
as large as the bladder of a Pig, and in the Bitch the size 
of the carp's swimming bladder. The "water-bag" is much 
slower to rupture in the Mare than in the Cow, and it fre- 
quently happens that the Foal is born in the "bag" without 
rupture taking place. When the rupture takes place late it is 
more favorable than when it occurs early. When rupture 
occurs too early, and before the foetus has been sufficiently 
expelled, the parts become dry, and labour is always longer 




x?^ 



Fig. 17. 

NORMAL POSITION OF THE FOETUS IN THE MARE AT THE 
THIRD STAGE OF PARTURITION. 

and more painful and difficult for the mother, while it is 
often fatal to the foetus. When the "water-bag" ruptures, 
its contents partly escape — that behind the chest of the foe- 
tus being retained, and voided only in small quantity as the 
womb contracts. When the membranes are weaker and 
thinner than usual, they may rupture before the mouth of 
the womb is completely dilated, and then the fluid escapes 
in a small quantity at a time; this frequently happens with 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



123 



the first birth, though it is sometimes observed in pro- 
tracted labour, which is the most painful. Generally, no 
harm results from this premature rupture if parturition is 
not too long delayed ; indeed, in some cases it may be use- 
ful, as when the womb is over-distended with fluid. In 
other instances the membranes may be remarkably strong, 
and artificial rupture may even be required. The contrac- 
tions are most energetic and rapid, and every time they are 
■made the waters flow in small quantity, moistening and re- 




Fig. 18. 

POSTERIOR POSITION OF THE FOETUS AT THE THIRD 

STAGE OF NORMAL PARTURITION. 

laxing the parts ; the foetus passes on until the fore feet 
and muzzle, forming a kind of cone, appear at the vulva, 
the orifice of which is opened by them. When the head has 
cleared the vulva, there is usually a short pause, as if to al- 
low the muscles of this region to become accustomed to the 
distention, and to prepare them for the still greater strain, 



124 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



the passing of the shoulders and chest of the foetus, which 
have now arrived at the inlet of the pelvis, and as they form 
the deepest and most difficult part of the young creature's 
body, the contractions for its expulsion, though most pow- 
erful and continuous, only impel it slowly towards the out- 
let, on arriving at which a more energetic and painful effort 
than all the others pushes it through. The act may now be 
said to have terminated ; as to expel the croup requires only 
a few comparatively weak throes, and the weight of the 
anterior part of the body of the foetus, hanging beyond 
the vulva, greatly aids them. Tt is rare, indeed, that the 
croup offers a serious obstacle to expulsion. 




Fig. 19. 

STANDING POSITION OF COW, IN THE ACT OF PARTURI- 
TION.* 

After the young animal is expelled, the navel cord is 
torn, and the waters remaining in the womb escape, accom- 
panied or followed by a little blood, resulting from' the sud- 
den separation of the after-birth. 

THE POSITION assumed by animals during parturi- 
tion is somewhat variable. The larger animals which us- 
ually only bring forth one at a birth, such as the Mare, Cow, 
and Sheep, generally do so standing; the young creature, 
being sustained by the navel cord when it has cleared the 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



125 



vulva, glides gently on the half-flexed hocks of the parent, 
and so reaches the ground without injury (Fig. 19). The 
■standing position, however, is not constant with these ani- 
mals; and frequently they bring forth in a reclining posi- 
tion (Fig. 20), maintained from the very commencement of 
the act, and only rising when birth is completed. It is rare, 
indeed, that these animals lie full length on one side of the 
l)odv during parturition, and when it does occur it nearly 
always indicates a long, difficult, and exhausting labour. 

Multiparous animals — ^s the Bitch, Cat, and Sow — al- 
wavs assumie the recumbent position, and lie reclining on 




Fig. 20. 

RECUMBENT POSITION OF MARE IN THE ACT OF 
PARTURITION. 

* 

one side, with the body disposed in a semi-circular fashion, 

the head towards the tail. For in this position, as each 
foetus issues from the vulva it is within reach of the 
mother's mouth ; so it can remove the membranes from the 
foetus, divide the navel cord, clean it with its tongue, put 
it in a proper position, and even direct its head towards the 
teat, in order to soothe it while another is born. With the 
Sow, the young creature is expelled with such force from 
the vulva that it often turns a somersault. It may also be 
observed that, with the small multiparous animials the 



126 Obstetrics— Domesticated Animals. 

^'water-bag" usually only appears with the first of the lit- 
ter, the othei" being preceded or followed by their ruptured 
membranes. 

The total DURATION OF DELIVERY is extremely 
variable, not only in the different species, but even in the 
same animal at different births. With the Mare it is usually 
brief, and is generally accomplished in about ten minutes, 
sometimes in five minutes, though it may extend 
to a quarter or half hour, rarely more. This rap- 
idity appears to be due to the fact that the afterbirth 
is detached from the womb during the early pains, 
and consequently the foetus cannot live long after this 
occurs — three hours being supposed to be the limit. The 
duration of delivery in the Cow is, on the average, one to 
two hours: though it may only be a few minutes to half an 
hour, or be-extended without injury to the calf, to one or two 
days. With the Sheep the period is very brief, being about 
fifteen minutes. If there are several Lambs, there is usually 
an interval of fifteen minutes to two hours between them. 
With multiparous animals — ^Sow, Bitch, and Cat — there is 
ordinarily a period of ten or fifteen minutes, and sometimes 
half an hour, an hour, or even more, betwen each birth. 
Frequently the Sow will bring forth ten young ones within 
the course of an hour. 

With those animals which are delivered in the standing 
position, the navel cord is torn when the young creature 
reaches the ground, and usually close to the belly. If the 
mother is recumbent when the offspring is born, the cord is 
torn as she gets up, which is usually immediately^ after par- 
turition. Sometimes, however, the cord is sufficiently strong 
and elastic to resist spontaneous rupture, and the young 
creature is born with the membranes attached to it by 
means of this bond of union. The mother then, by a re- 
markable instinct, in cleansing the young creature with her 
tongue, gnaws through the cord and sets free her progeny. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 127 

The Mare and Cow have been known to do this at times; 
otherwise it is usual with the carnivora. But it sometimes 
happens that it is necessary for the attendant to divide the 
cord; this division should be made at a short distance from 
the navel, by scraping or cutting- direct through the navel 
cord. Usually there is nothing to be feared from bleeding; 
but should this take place, for treatment see (Bleeding from 
the Navel). 

FOURTH STAGE OF NATURAL LABOR: EX- 
PULSION OF THE MEMBRANES.— The expulsion of 
the foetal membranes, or "after-birth," may occur at birth, 
immediately after birth, or be delayed for a variable period. 
Immediately after the foetus is expelled, the womb contracts 
and retracts energetically on itself, and its internal capacity 
rapidly diminishes ; consequently the after-birth is ulti- 
mately separated from the wall of the womb. The same 
contractions which loosened it also forces it through the 
mouth of the womb into the vagina ; and the muscles aeain 
being stimulated by its presence here, as tfiey were by the 
head of the foetus, add their powerful contractions ; so that 
these new pains, aided by the appended navel cord, soon 
bring the whole mass away. 

With the Mare, owing to the slight adherence of the 
after-birth, the separation of the membranes take place rap- 
idly ; and if the Foal is not born in the intact envelops, gen- 
erally only a few minutes elapse before the after-birth is de- 
tached. Retention of the after-birth is exceedingly rare in 
the Mare, though it is very dangerous ; as in attempting to 
remove it there is great risk of haemorrhage. With the 
Cow, the adhesion between the womb and foetal membranes 
is very intimate. The Calf is never born in its intact en- 
velops, and the after-birth is only slowly and tardily ex- 
pelled — two, four, or more hours, or even days being re- 
quired ; and frequently when retention of the after-birth oc- 
curs in the Cow. it will be found necessarv to remove it 



128 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

artificially. Multiparous animals get rid of the membranes 
as they expel the foetuses, the birth of the first being fol- 
lowed in a very short time by its membranes ; after which 
comes the second foetus, then its membranes, and so on; so 
that only those of the last foetus may be retained — an acci- 
dent which sometimes occurs. 

When the young creature is born in its intact envelops, 
the mother, if at large, frees it from them by gnawing them 
through ; it is seldom that the progeny releases itself by its 
own efforts. If the mbther should chance to be tied up, as 
in a stall, assistance may be required to cut the navel cord 
and extract the young animal from its imprisoning mem- 
branes, else it may suffocate. (See Attention to the Off- 
spring When Delivery Has Taken Place.) 

NECESSARY AID IN NORMAL PARTURITION, 
OR NATURAL LABOUR.— Although as a rule, parttiri- 
tion is generally effected in animals without the interven- 
tion of man, yet from the nature of this act and the un- 
favorable consequences which are sometimes noted, certain 
attentions and precautions should be observed. These at-^ 
tentions and precautions should be entrusted to a competent 
person : as it is seldom that the Veterinary Obstetrist is call- 
ed in unless something serious has occurred. The mother, 
as well as the offspring;-, require watching, and more or less 
nursing. Therefore the owner of. or attendant on, an ani- 
mal which is about to bring- forth young, should be able to 
ascertain the position of the foetus, and decide as to whether 
parturition may termmate in a natural manner, or if the ex- 
isting obstacles are easy to overcome. If they are not, he 
certainly should not venture to attempt delivering the ani- 
mal himself, or to pull about the mother or foetus in those 
cases which will require the aid of the surgeon's knife to a 
great and dangerous extent; as this may only tend to ag- 
gravate the trouble, and render relief more difficult. The 
Veterinary Obstetrist should be sent for, as his knowledge 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. i29 

and practiced manipulative and surgical aid will, in the ma- 
jority of cases, if his assistance is obtained in due time, 
bring the most complicated labour to a prompt and happy 
termination — preserving the mother, and often the progeny. 

ATTENTION TO THE MOTHER DURING THE 
FIRST TWO STAGES OF NATURAL LABOUR.— 
When animals are about to deliver their young, they should 
have suitable places provided for them. As the act of de- 
livery is performed with a certain amount of pain and un- 
easiness, the Cow and Mare should be left untied, and pro* 
vided with a large, comfortable box stall, containing a suf- 
ficient amount of bedding to prevent slipping and injuries; 
or if in proper season, they will do better if placed alone in a 
pasture field. The Sow should have a separate sty, and 
€ven the Sheep may need a separate allotment. If animals 
are kept in stables, the temperature should be comfortable 
and the ventilation good. 

When normal parturition commences, it is rare, indeed, 
that anything requires to be done during the first two stages 
of labor. Therefore the animal should be allowed perfect 
quietude ; and if the light in the stable is too bright, it may 
be partially excluded. A trustworthy person should remain 
with the animal, in order to avert accidents : but he should 
keep himself out of sight, and meddle with the animal as 
little as possible. In the case of the Mare it has been rec- 
ommended to empty the rectum <"ither with the oiled hand 
or by means of raw linseed oil injections, if the dung is 
hard, in order to avert rupture of the intestines or bowels. 
The labour-pains should be normal, and the act should 
neither be hurried nor abrupt, nor yet too slow; and the 
mother should not exhibit any constitutional weakness or 
physical debility. During the second or third stage of labour 
an examination should be made (to make successful exam- 
inations, see Sensible Signs of Pregnancy, and How to 
Make Successful Examinations in Difficult Parturition), to 



130 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

see if the little animal is started right — that is with the two 
front feet first, the head resting upon and between 
the legs, the upper part of the head and backbone 
resting against the mother's backbone (Fig. ly) ; or 
if the hind feet start first (Fig. i8), it will be 
delivered in that position; but see that its backbone 
rests against the mother's backbone. If the act of parturi- 
tion is not sufficiently advanced, and the soft parts through 
which the foetus has to pass are not enough dilated, time 
ought to be allowed for this to take place, unless something 
irregular or abnormal occurs. As a rule, there should be no 
hurry to interfere with the progress of the case, as a some- 
what long period is often required for preparation; and if 
this is accelerated, accidents are more likely to occur than 
if the labour 'had been long and protracted. Therefore, if 
the foetus lies in either of the aforesaid positions, do not 
meddle too much, but allow some time to elapse before aid 
is rendered, except it be a Mare, then do not delay too' long, 
for if the Colt is not delivered voluntarily within an hour 
from the time of commiencement of the first expulsive ef- 
forts, aid should be rendered immediately or the little ani- 
mal may be lost 

The irregularities during the first and second stage of 
Natural Labour, are few In number ; the principal being 
Hurried (Tumultuous) Labour, and Protracted Labour. 

HURRIED (TUMULTUOUS) LABOUR DURING 
FIRST AND SECOND STAGE OF NORMAL PAR- 
TURITION. — In this kind of labour the act of parturition 
is irregular and precipitate; and though the pains are ex- 
cessive and frequent, yet no progress appears to be made, 
the parts not being prepared, while the neck of the womb Is 
often in a state of spasmodic contraction, rigid, and pafnful. 
This condition is most frequently observed in young, well- 
fed, vigorous, irritable animals, and especially when bring- 
ing forth the first offspring, they become excited and trou- 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 131 

bled at the first pains, and give themselves up to violent ex- 
pulsive efforts that hinder the natural course of parturition. 
Usually in such cases, the mouth of the womb has not dilat- 
ed sufficiently to allow the foetus to start, or the other sur- 
rounding tissues have not sufficiently relaxed. 

TREATMENT OF HURRIED, OR TUMULTU- 
OUS LABOUR. — In the majority of cases, amendment is 
ensured by diverting the animal's attention, walking it about 
for a short time, whisking the belly gently, and keeping it 
in a quiet, dark place. If, however, the pains are violent, 
and the agitation great and persistent, give to the Mare and 
Cow half ounce doses of chloral hydrate and repeat the 
dose in half an hour if necessary. The chloral hydrate may 
be given in draught, or as rectal injection — the injection is 
generally preferable. Blankets wrung from hot water 
should be applied to the loins and belly. Frequently good 
results are produced by injecting tepid water into the va- 
gina. If the mouth and neck of the womib are in a state 
of contraction, by placing a little extract of belladonna — 
about one drachm — on these parts will cause them to open 
rapidly. With small animals, a few drops of laudanum, 
either in draught or rectal injection, is usually sufficient. 
■Quiet, soothing, and simple treatment will generally bring 
about a normal state of affairs: the agitation and irregular 
straining subside, and easy delivery will occur in six, 
twelve, or twenty-four hours. 

PROTRACTED LABOUR DURING THE FIRST 
TWO STAGES OF NORMAL PARTURITION.— iTkis 
is due solely to the inability of the womb to expel its con- 
tents. This most frequently occurs when the membranes 
have ruptured, the waters have entirely escaped, and the 
womb is in a state of general contraction, making no effort 
to expel the foetus. This usually happens when the foetus 
is dead. Protracted Labour may also be due to constitu- 
tional weakness. It is observed in emaciated, puny, and 



132 OBSTETRICS — Domesticated Animals. 

frequently old animals, which are debilitated from lack of 
sufficient good food, prolonged secretion of milk, over- 
work, or worn by chronic wasting diseases. 

SYMPTOMS.— In the Mare and Cow the breathing is 
comparatively shallow and repeated ; feeble and unfrequent 
straining, weak pulse, restlessness and indications of suf- 
fering, extremely slow progress in birth — parturition in the 
Cow being extended to twenty- four, and even forty-eight 
hours, though the foetus may be in a good position, of or- 
dinary size, and the passage clear. If the hand is introduced 
into the vagina, it will be discovered that the contractions 
of the womb are weak. There is no urgent danger to the 
mother in this condition; though the life of the foetus is 
often imperilled. 

TREATMENT. — ^An examination is necessary, In or- 
der to ascertain whether there is any obstacle to parturition. 
Should such not be found, then the mouth of the womb 
should be gently and carefully dilated with the fingers, untit 
it is wide enough for the hand to pass into the womb. Mod- 
erate and judicious drawing on the parts of the foetus which 
present, when the mother makes expulsive efforts, will bring 
the foetus into the pelvic cavit}^ and through the vulva. 

DEATH OF THE FOETUS.— When parturition is 
retarded it is often a question whether the foetus is dead or 
alive, and to answer it correctly is sometirhes difficult. Fout 
odor from the waters which escape has been held to prove 
the death of the foetus ; although it is a good sign, yet it is 
not infallible. On introducing the hand into the womE, if 
decomposition is well advanced, the hair can easily be re- 
moved from the foetus ; then there can be no doubt as to its 
being dead. Should the presentation be that of the head, 
then passing the fingers into its mouth and titilating the ton- 
gue of the foetus will prove a test of its vitality, as the 
jaws and tongue are almost certain to move if it lives; 
though the absence of movement will not be decisive. If the 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 133 

navel cord can be reached and seized between the thumb 
and index finger, sHght compression will discover whether 
or not the arteries pulsate. The absence of pulsation affords 
a strong, but not in every case a sure, presumption that the 
foetus is dead. For other indications, as well as proper ex- 
aminations (see vSensible Signs of Pregnancy; also, How to 
Make Successful Examinations in Difficult Parturition). 

CAUSES OF DEATH OF FOETUS.— They are not 
numerous, and may be enumerated as follows: i. KNOTS 
on the navel cord ; 2. TWISTS of the cord around the 
body, neck, or limbs of the foetus, which may be sufficiently 
tight to interrupt the circulation in the navel vessels ; 3. 
PROLONGED COMPRESSION OF THE NAVEL 
Cord, due to the foetus remaining a long time in the pas- 
sage of the womb and vagina, whereby the circulation of 
blood is checked ; 4. PREMATURE RUPTURE OF THE 
MEMBRANES and escape of the whole of "the waters," 
which, if parturition is not soon completed, exposes the foe- 
tus to great danger from immediate pressure of the womb 
upon it; 5. DISUNION, more or less complete and exten- 
sive, between the womb and the foetal membranes, through 
which the foetus receives its nourishment and supply of air; 
when this vital connection between the mother and foetus is 
interrupted, if the foetus is not quickly expelled it must die 
from suffocation. Owing to the difference in the after- 
birth of the various animals, this foetal suffocation is not 
equally common in all. Many veterinarians, and among 
them Saint-Cyr, have been struck by the fact, that no mat- 
ter how soon they were called into a case of difficult partur- 
ition in the Mare, nor how trifling the difficulty might be, 
and rapid the deHvery, the living foal was never produced ; 
while in cases in Cows, though parturition was decidedly 
more difficult, and requiring manipulation for more than an 
hour, living calves were the rule. So common is this ex- 
perience, that a very distinguished French veterinary obstet- 



134 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

rist — Donnarieix — has laid it down as a maxim that the Foal 
does not live more than three hours, often less, in the womb 
after the' first expulsive efforts or straining ; while the Calf 
in the same condition can live m.uch longer, sometimes for 
several days, after the first expulsive efforts of labour. The 
foetus may also perish when force is used in its delivery. 

ATTENTION TO THE MOTHER DURING THE 
THIRD STAGE OF NATURAL LABOUR.— This is the 
expulsive stage, and during this period there are two im- 
portant matters to be observed: i. Rupture of the water- 
bag;. 2. When to use traction on the foetus. 

1. RUPTURE OF THE WATER-BAG.— This should 
not be artificially ruptured too early; and in the Cow it 
should never, as a rule, be opened artificially, as it is al- 
ways spontaneously ruptured at the proper time, and not in- 
frequentty sooner than it should be. With the Mare, how- 
ever, matters are different. In this animal the foetal mem- 
branes are thick, firm, and feebly adherent to the womb ; so 
that the Foal is sometimes born completely enveloped in 
them. Therefore, in the Mare it is well to rupture the water- 
bag when it appears as a large tumor beyond the vulva; 
until this happens nothing should be done, unless the mouth 
of the womb is completely dilated, and the head and feet 
of the foetus are well in it. The membranes may be torn 
by the fingers, or cut by scissors or knife, care being taken 
not to injure the Foal. As has been said, when the water- 
bag is ruptured too early, the womb contracts on the foe- 
tus; this is opposed to birth. Besides, the genital passage 
becomes dry and adherent, and this is an additional ob- 
stacle, which can onlv be remedied by injecting into the va- 
gina flaxseed tea, milk, glycerine and water, oil, or even 
simple tepid water. 

2. TRACTION OF, OR DRAWING, ON THE 
FOETUS. — When the water-bag is once ruptured, the 
natural expulsion of the foetus should be waited for. In 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 135 

some instances, however, this expulsion may be convenient- 
ly assisted by judicious drawing on the foetus. (See Trac- 
tion.) 

If the foetus presents the fore feet and head (Fig. 17), 
as soon as these parts have cleared the womb, take hold of 
the pastern of each fore leg and draw steadily during each 
labour pain of the mother. This traction or drawing should 
be towards the hocks of the mother, so as to allow the body 
of the foetus to follow the curve of the pelvis ; drawing a 
little to the right and left, will also aid in passing the 
shoulders and afterwards the haunches. When the head 
and neck are clear of the vidva, they should be sunported. 

If the foetus presents posteriorly, that is, when the hind 
feet come first (Fig. 18). This position will be recosfnized 
by the pasterns bending upwards instead of downwards, 
also by the feel of the hocks, which is vastly diflferent from 
the knee. In this position, the two limbs are to be seized at 
the pastern, and drawing exercised at first slightly upwards, 
in order to carry the stifles over the brim of the pelvi?, 
which sometimes checks them ; then downwards, to bring 
the croup below the sacrum ; and lastly, an alternate move- 
ment from right to left and left to right, to free the 
haunces, one after the other. Immediately after delivery, 
seize the young animal by the hind legs and raise it clear 
from the ground, with the head hanging downwards, so that 
any fluids rem.aining in the nostrils and wind pipe, will 
escape. Many Foals and Calves are lost annually, through 
neoflect to empty the fluids from the windpipe ; the lungs are 
too weak to force air in through these fluids. When the 
foetus is bom head first, these fluids escape, as the head 
hangs down during delivery. It is well to see that the tail 
of the foetus is in the right direction before traction has 
been practiced to any great extent. 



136 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

TRACTION OF THE FOETUSES IN TWIN 
PREGNANCY. — Usually twin pregnancy is not recog- 
nized until birth takes place. The escape of only a small 
quantity of ''the waters," and the small size of the creature 
first delivered, when compared with the size of the mother's 
abdomen, are indications that more young will be produced. 
In case there is another foetus, soon another water-bag ap- 
pears, and another foetus presents at the vulva. Frequents 
ly when the position of the two foetuses is natural, they are 
brougfht forth one after the other successsively, and without 
any assistance being required. This is the case more par- 
ticularly with the Sheep and Goat. But sometimes, and es- 
pecially with the Mare and Cow, the two foetuses present 
themselves simultaneously at the pelvic inlet, and neither 
can pass through. In such a case it is necessary to push 
back the one least favorably presenting, and to keep it away 
until the fore limbs of the other are in the passage. If the 
two foetuses chance to be in an unfavorable position, the 
fore legs of one should be sought for (recognized by the 
knees, and to a certain extent by the pasterns), or the hind 
limbs (recognized by the pa.sterns and hocks), if they are 
convenient for the purpose, then traction or drawing should 
be exercised, as in the case of a single foetus, and according 
to the directions given above, taking care to keep the other 
foetus out of ^he wav. Should it not be possible to extract 
this foetus, it may be that certain parts of the other stop 
its progress, or that the expulsive forces are expended on 
the other foetus, although it is farthest from the mouth of 
tTie womb. It is then necessary to push back and turn the 
former foetus, and endeavor to extract it by the extremity 
opposite to that which was first tried. But if the fore limbs 
and head have been got into the passage, the position need 
not be changed, the procedure then being the same as for a 
foetus disproportionately large. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 137 

CAUTION TO TliE OPERATOR.— In exploring or 
examining the genital canals of the female, gentleness and 
tact should be scrupulously observed, and the hand and arm 
ought to be well oiled with sweet oil or clean lard ; the nails 
of the fingers being cut at least moderately short. Also 
read examinations under Sensible Signs of Pregnancy, and 
How to Make Successful Examinations in Difficult Partur- 
ition. The time chosen for exploration should be the inter- 
val between the labour pains, and care must be taken not to 
rupture the water-bag, if it has not been previously rup- 
tured. The examination may be made while the animal is 
standing or lying, though the standing position is generally 
preferable. 

It must not be forgotten that, when traction or draw^ 
ing is required, this should be slow and moderate, and only 
applied when the animal itself makes expulsive efforts. Vio- 
lent and sudden drawing is to be avoided, as it may inflict 
serious injury, while doing little, if anything, in aiding de- 
livery ; and even should this be effected, the contractile pow- 
ers of the womb will be deranged, when the contents of that 
organ are suddenly and forcibly rembved. The simplest 
and safest traction is that made by the hands of the opera- 
tor — for both hands may, in some cases, be introduced into 
the vagina. Should he not have sufficient strength or pur- 
chase, an assitant may clasp him around the chest and pull 
at and with himt — gradually and steadily during the labour 
pains. 

ATTENTION TO THE OFF-SPRING IMME- 
DIATELY AFTER NATURAL DELIVERY HAS 
TAKEN PLACE. — No special rules can be laid down for 
the management of new-born animals, as this may var)^ 
more or less, according to the species. However, there are 
?ome general rules which may be well to observe. 

With regard to the Foal or other creature which may 
be born in the foetal membranes, it is evident that it must 



138 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

be freed from them immediately, or it will perish from suf- 
focation. If the navel cord is not torn, it may be double- 
tied about two inches from the navel, and then divided be- 
tween the tied places, either with a clean knife or scissors. 
Care must be exercised in not bruising or injurmg the navel, 
or allowing" this part to become irritated either by the lit- 
ter, manure, or urine, as serious complications, such as in- 
flammation of the navel and cord may result. (See Inflam- 
mation of the Navel Cord.) 

Immediately after delivery, remove the mucus, which 
sometimes clogs the mouth and nostrils of the new-born 
(this process is explained under Suffocation, Asphyxia of 
the New-Born, which see), and hinders its respiration or 
breathing. As soon as this has been accomplished, the 
young animal should be examined to ascertain whether it be 
strong or weak, whether all the natural apertures exist — ■ 
such as the eyes, mouth, anus, vulva, uretha — and if any of 
them chance to be absent, to make artificial ones soon, if 
possible, by a kind of puncture, enlarging afterwards by the 
knife and sound, and preventing union by pledgets of lint, 
etc. 

SUSPENDED ANIMATION, SUSPENDED LIFE 
OF THE NEW-BORN. — Whenever the connection 
with the mother is interrupted, the young creature 
must breathe, and respiration must now be carried 
on by the lungs, through the nostrils. The estab- 
b'shment of this is purely a reflex act. The foetus 
tiitherto miaintained at a certain and always uniform degree 
of warmth in its liquid bed in the womb, is suddenly ushered 
into the cold and dry air of the outer world ; and this transi- 
tion operates chiefly on the skin, proucing a peculiar im- 
pression — such as we ourselves experience in being sud- 
denly immersed in cold water; this impression is at once 
transmitted to the brain and spinal center, whence the reflex 
influence of the spinal cord is called into play, and the re- 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 139 

spiratory muscles are excited to movement by the nerves. 
All these muscles contract simultaneously, the chest is dilat- 
ed, and the air rushes into the air-passages and lungs, dis- 
tending the air-cells in the lungs, and instituting the process 
of respiration. This reflex act may also be produced by 
pressure on the navel cord. It sometimes happens that the 
young creature is in a state of unconsciousness when born, 
or very soon after, and gives no sign of life. Sometimes 
this unconscious state is from weakness, in which the ani- 
mal is cold and does not breathe, the mucous membranes 
being pale and the body flaccid; or if it is the result of an 
over-abundance of blood, then the mucous membranes are 
of a livid blue tint, the lips and tongue swollen, and the 
eyes red. 

TREATMENT.— If the young animal is in a state of 
unconsciousness when born, attempts should be made to re- 
vive it by pouring cold water on the head, beating the body 
with a cloth dipped in cold water — particularly should this 
beatingf be exercised about the face and chest. Dry rubbing 
the limbs, tickling the nostrils with a feather, puffing to- 
bacco-smoke into the nostrils, imitating the respiratory 
movements, and inflating the lungs by means of a pair of 
bellows, acting through the nostrils. So long as the heart 
pulsates there is a probability of restoration to life. 

If unconsciousness is the rCvSult of an over-abundance 
of blood, allowing a little blood, from eight to fourteen 
ounces from the Foal or Calf, to flow from the navel cord, 
and even cutting this or fomenting it with hot water to in- 
duce bleeding, is very useful, in conjunction with cold water 
to the head and cold water injections into the rectum. But 
as a rule, death is always imminent in these cases. 

GENERAL CARE OF THE YOUNG AFTER DE- 
LIVERY HAS TAKEN PLACE.— With the larger ani- 
mals, the newly-born creature should be placed before the 
mother, if it is not near her; and it generally follows that 



140 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

she instinctively licks off the viscid matter which covers its 
skin ; and in doing this the circulation of the skin is excited, 
and, by sympathy, the other organs of the young animal. 
Consequently, it becomes revived, soon endeavors to get up, 
and though it may fall a few times, yet it generally quickly 
succeeds in maintaining itself on its limbs, and instinctively 
seeks the maternal teat. There are exceptional cases, where 
the mother does not attempt to cleanse her young; this is 
most frequently observed when bringing forth the first 
progeny, and when the labour has been long and painful. 
But it will generally be found that sprinkling the young 
animal with a little flour, bran, or salt will excite the atten- 
tion of the mother and induce the cleaning process. Should 
it not do so, then the creature must be well dried and rubbed 
with a sponge, hay-wisp, or a cloth, and kept warm. Some 
mothers become quite savage after parturition, and will not 
allow their progeny to come near them, and will even kill 
their voung; though this most frequently happens when 
they are torm.ented by spectators. When this occurs, it is 
well to leave the mother and her young quietly together 
for some time. 

As the Foal, Calf, and Lamb alwas suckle in a stand- 
ing posture, if they are weak and cannot reach the teat 
within half an hour or so after birth, it will be found nec- 
essary to give some assistance in bringing them to their 
mother, and applying the teat to the mouth of the young 
animal, at the same time caressing and soothing the parent 
if disinclined to its young either by temper or by painful- 
ness of the udder. This coaxing and handling should be 
performed by some one accustomed to the animal. 

Sometimes from weakness or inexperience of the Foal, 
and temper of the Mare, the Foal runs the risk -of perishing 
from starvation. In such cases the Mare should be safely 
secured, and two persons ought then to push and support the 
vounp- animal behind bv joinirvr a hand of each, while the 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 141 

other hands are employed in directing it towards the teat, 
which it should be allowed to use for two or three minutes. 
After one or two attempts of this kind, the Foal begins to 
find its way to the udder by itself, while the Mare becomes 
more reconciled to it. In assisting the youngster to nurse, 
do not place the hand under the breast bone; as it is quite 
soft and yielding, you may do considerable harm, even 
causing quite a lively Colt to become sick and die. Many 
Colts are lost in this way, the owner considering that he was 
doing an act of kindness. When it is necessary to hold 
them up to nurse, catch one arm around the forelegs and 
breast, and the other arm around its haunches, and you will 
not injure the Colt in the least. When the Foal exhibits 
great debility, it may be preferable to feed it for a day or 
two with the milk of the Mare, which has been drawn by 
hand. 

With the CoAV, these difficulties are seldom present, and 
if an animal will not take to its Calf, the Calf is generally 
transferred to another Cow, or it is artificially reared. The 
Foal miay even be reared in this manner, though not so 
easily as the Calf. The miilk of the CoW^ or Goat will suf- 
fice, and there is generally little difficulty in teaching it to 
drink it, by at first pouring a little into the mouth, while 
the finger is inserted therein ; or a piece of cloth steeped In 
milk, or even a bottle and tube may be used. Calves in- 
tended for slaughter may be artificially fed, and especially 
if nutritive substances are added to the milk ; but for those 
intended to be reared, it is a mistake to separate them from 
the Cow during the early days of their existence. 

Lambs, when able to stand, and if they do not readily 
find their way to the teat, should have a little milk from 
it pressed into their mouth. WitE twin Lambs, if the Ewe 
is in good condition, the udder well filled, and the weather 
and pasture favorable, both may be suckled ; in the opposite 
conditions it mav be necessary to remove one. If the Ewe 



142 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

does not yield sufficient milk, this may be largely remedied 
by giving a liberal supply of good food. 

The Bitch, Sow,and Cat, usually he when suckling their 
young ; so that there is seldom any difficulty with them ; the 
only care generally required in the case of young Pigs, is to 
prevent their being crushed by the Sow in the act of lying 
down or moving. If the litter is large plenty of good food 
is necessary. It is also quite necessary that he Sow should' 
be supplied with a pail full of good, warm, nourishing slop 
as soon as she has delivered her young, as this will appease 
her ravenous appetite, and will restrain her from devouring 
her young. Sows usually eat their progeny to satisfy the 
uncontrollable hunger, which they experience during and 
immediately after parturition. If the Sow has more young 
in the litter than teats, unless watched the weakest Pigs 
will die of starvation. Each young pig has its own partic- 
ular teat, to which it is persistently attached ; and if one of 
the little Pigs becomes sick and unable to suck, the teat it 
has been nursing will soon cease secreting milk. In general 
a Sow should not be allowed to rear more than ten in a 
litter. Cleanliness and warmth are required for young 
Pigs. 

Puppies and Kittens do not require any special care 
beyond a warm, clean, and dry abode. 

With all newly-born animals, after the first milk has 
been taken, there is usually an abundant evacuation of '^ack 
resinous matter (meconium) from the bowels of the yo- .ng 
animal, caused by the "colostrum'," as the first milk is usual- 
ly called ; and it is well to notice if this evacuation occurs, 
as when it does not, serious constipation may ensue. In 
such cases, a mild laxative — such as castor oil — should be 
administered to obviate this condition. (See Constipation.) 

Gentle exercise is as necessary for the Foal and Calf, a 
few davs after birth, as it is for their parents. Therefore, 
a meadow is preferable to a stable for rearing the young. 

It is not rare to find newly-born animals, particularly 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 143 

when parturition has been laborious, injured more or less, 
from the manipulation of the obstetrist during birth. The 
most frequent injuries are those due to the use of instru- 
ments and appliances. The injuries miay be dressed with 
cold water, to which has been added a very little alcohol, 
or with arnica. Abrasions which are only superficial, may 
be treated with the following solution : Water, four ounces ; 
glycerine, one ounce; carbolic acid, twenty drops. Sprains 
should be treated by friction with soap Hniment. (See for- 
mula for making Soap Liniment under Dropsical Swellings 
of the Legs.) Wounds and lacerations, if very severe, must 
have appropriate surgical treatment. Other accidents and 
diseases which young animals are subject to, will be allud- 
ed to and classified in another part of this book, which has 
been set apart for the Diseases and Abnormalities of the 
Young Animal. 

ATTENTION TO THE MOTHER AFTER NOR- 
MAL LABOUR.— When labour has been natural, and the 
animal is vigorous and not much fatigued, simple hygienic 
measures are all that is necessary. The animal should be 
kept comfortable, with plenty of pure air, but away from 
draughts. If it has been perspiring, the body, and particu- 
larly the belly, should be well wisped if it is a large animal : 
indeed, this friction is always to be recommended, as it 
often allays the restlessness which sometimes persists after 
delivery; it also regulates the circulation, and appears to 
hasten the retraction of the womb. It may be necessary to 
cover the body with a blanket, as the animial is very sus- 
ceptible to cold at this period. A gallon or so 
of nourishing, tepid gruel, or even soup, may be 
given; after which the diet should be moderate and 
easily digested. Clean, dry litter should be plenti- 
fully supplied, and the animal left alone for half an 
hour or so, after which it may be visited and offered more 
gruel. From five to eight, or even fifteen days' rest should 
be allowed, according to circumstances. 



144 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

When parturition has been protracted, and the animal 
has suffered much, and especially if the generative organs 
have been bruised and lacerated, nursing should be con- 
tinued longer, and greater precautions adopted. In these 
cases every care should be taken toi prevent inflammation of 
the womb; and with this object in view, wash out the va- 
gina by injections of a tepid, three per cent, solution of per^ 
mianganate of potassium ; apply warm cloths to the loins, 
allow light diet, with sm.all doses of sulphate of magnesia, 
and keep clean in a good stable, and in a pure atmosphere. 

DOSE OF EPSOM SALT (SULPHATE OF MAG- 
NESIA). — Mare, two ounces; Cow, three ounces; Sheep 
and Pig, four drachms; Bitch and Cat, one drachm. Mix 
w^ith water and give as a drench. Repeat the dose nights 
and mornings unless the movements of the bowels should 
become too active, at which time discontinue. With the 
Bitch and Cat, epsom salt sometim.es produces vomiting. 
Therefore, half ounce doses of castor oil is preferable for 
these animals. 

Sometimes the debility is so extreme that the animal 
scarcely gives any indication of life. There is then all the 
more need for careful nursing and quietude. Friction to 
the surface of the body, clothing, and a good bed are par- 
ticularly necessary ; and as the secretion of milk is usually 
difficult in these cases, this must be attended to (see Ab- 
sence of Milk). It must be borne in mind that cold and 
damp are dangerous immediately, and even for some time 
after, parturition. Therefore, when turned out to pasture 
care should be taken to afford protection in bad weath"er, 
and damp, cold localities should be avoided. With regard 
to Ewes and Goats, if the weather is mild and the situa- 
tion favorable, protection is not required ; but if cold winds 
and wet prevail, then shelter is necessary. When more than 
one Lamb is likely to be produced, the first should be kept 
warm and receive a little Cow's milk diluted with water, 
until the Ewe has finished Lambing. The Sow generally 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 145 

suffers from weakness and prostration after parturition, and 
requires plenty of nourishing and easily digested iooO 
When this is given there is less likeUhood of the animal de- 
vouring its young, and all the more so if not irritated by 
the presence of people. 

DISORDERS OF THE MOTHER AFTER DELIVERY. 

Under this subject will be included After-pains, Lochia, 

Milk-fever. Secreting of Milk (Lactation), and Contraction 

of the Womb. 

1. AFTER-RATNS. — These are the painful sensa- 
tions in the abdomen, which persist after the expulsion of 
the foetus. They are due to the contractions of the womb, 
that o-o on for some time, and eventually reduce the womb 
to its ordinary size. After an easy labour, there are gen- 
erally fewer or no symptoms of these pains; and when 
they are present the only indications are whisking of the 
tail, at which time the walls of the abdomen appear to be 
harder. They seldom continue longer than twelve or twenty- 
four hours in these cases, and do not require special treat- 
ment. 

In other cases, and particularly when birth has been 
very sudden and rapid, they persist longer and are more 
severe. The animal paws and exhibits suffering; it also 
stretches as if trying to urinate, arches the back, contracts 
the abdominal muscles, and strains. When these pains are 
continued beyond twenty-four hours, we may apprehend the 
retention of a portion of the foetal membranes (for treat- 
ment see Contraction of the Womb ; also, Retention of the 
Foetal Envelops). Or it may be due to commencing Inver- 
sion of the Womb (which see). It will be necessary to 
make an examination in order to discover the cause. 

2. LOCHIA.— The term LOCHIA has been given to 
the bloody-streaked, purulent mucus, and, finally, mucus 
evacuations from the vagina occurring after delivery, and 
generally persisting until the womb has regained its nat- 
ural size and condition. This discharge accumulates in the 



146 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

womb, and usually only escapes when the animal undergoes 
exertion, and during urination, and voiding the dung. It 
sometimes accumulates about the thighs and tail, as well 
as on the litter; and when the animal has been lying, it 
forms small pools on the ground. This discharge does not 
have a bad odor, imless the womb or vagina is the seat 
of some pathological process, or a portion of the after-birth 
is retained. The average duration of this discharge is from 
five days to two weeks ; and should this discharge cease be- 
fore the proper time, it will produce dullness, indifference 
of the mother to its progeny and surroundings, poor appe- 
tite, suppression of milk, slight fever, with dry erect coat, 
and constipation. 

TO PREVENT THE UNTIMELY CESSATION 
OF THE LOCHIA.— Before and after parturition the food 
should be sound and nutritive, but moderate in quantity, 
and such as will not predispose to an over-abundance of 
blood ; not to travel or fatigue the animals towards the end 
of pregnancy ; to shelter them at this period ; not to hurry 
labour, and only to render assistance when necessary ; and 
after the delivery to attend to the removal of the after-' 
births which are sometimes retained in the Cow for an ab- 
normal period, but should not be allowed to remain longer 
than four or five davs. For the removal of the after-birth 
(see Retention of the Foetal Envelops). 

3. MILK-FfeVER.— (See Milk-fever or Parturient 
Apoplexy. ) 

4. LACTATION. — Before parturition, preparation for 
the secretion of milk is already being made in the glands 
of the udders, and immediately preceding that event a thin 
serous, or milky fluid can often be expressed from the teat. 
The first milk or "colostrum," secreted after delivery is a 
viscid, dirty-white, or yellowish fluid, sweet, though un- 
pleasant to the taste, and of a greater density than that of 
ordinary milk. It is this first milk or "colostrum" which 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 147 

acts as a laxative, and is so necessary to the new-born ani- 
mal. Towards the fifth or sixth day, or even longer, after 
parturition in the Mare and Cow, earlier with some of the 
other animals, the colostrum disappears, and then we have 
the ordinary milk. 

In somie instances, the secretion of milk may become a 
source of annoyance, or even of danger, when it is too 
abundant or is not withdrawn when secreted. This happens 
more particular when the animal is deprived of its young 
by death, or for special reason. For other causes, sym.p- 
toms and treatment (see Inflammation of the Udder — Marn- 
mitis). 

5. CONTRACTION OF THE WOMB AFTER 
NORMAL PARTURITION.— After gestation and partur- 
ition have been completed, it is necessary that the genital 
organs should return to their natural size and condition, 
which is generally the case after labour, when everything 
occurs regularly. But it sometimes happens that the itjius- 
cular layer of the womb appears to be struck with paralysis 
soon, or even immediately after delivery; so that it rf*- 
mains distended, and its cavitv is so large that the arm 
can easily be introduced into it. When this condition ex- 
ists, the mouth of the womb being always more or less 
open, the air obtains admission, putrefaction or decay com- 
mences, and grave results may follow. An examination w\P 
discover a variable quantity of bloody, or more or less 
foul-smelling, matter in the cavity of the womb ; and untif 
this is removed, and the organ made to contract on itself, 
danger may be apprehended. The treatment should be the 
same as that in the Retention of the Foetal Envelops 
(which see). 



^48 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

DIFFICULT LABOR-BIRTH-PARTURITION. 

(Dystokia.) 

HOW TO MAKE SUCCESSFUL EXAMINATIONS 
IN DIFFICULT PARTURITION FOR THE DIF- 
FERENT PRESENTATIONS OF THE FOETUS 
AND OTHER RESISTANCE WHICH MAY BE 
PRESENT. 

The miode of procedure tO' be adopted in internal ex- 
aminations and explorations have already been described, 
to a certain extent, under Sensible Signs of Pregnancy, and 
(Caution to the Operator) under Traction or Drawing of 
the Foetus, which should be referred to, and carefully read 
before the reading of this article. It is, because of the 
importance of these examinations that we again notice 
them, and will endeavor to explain the most useful points. 

If possible the Mare and Cow should be examined in 
the standing position, as this is the best. If, however, the 
animal is lying, and from exhaustion or paralysis it cannot 
get up, then, of course, the examination must be made in 
the recumbent position. 

When standing, the animal should be approached 
gently and coaxingly, and rigorous restraint is seldom nec- 
essary. With the Mare it generally suffices to have one of 
the fore-feet held up by an assistant, while the examination 
is made ; if young and dangerous, it may be necessary to 
employ a side-line on a hind pastern, or hobbles on both 
hind pasterns, and perhaps a twitch on the nose. With the 
Cow, a strong man holding the animal's head is sufficient 
to make it stand quiet. When the animal is in the stand- 
ing position, the operator must be on his guard against the 
animal suddenly dropping, which would expose himi to ser- 
ious injury. When the floor inclines from the tail towards 
the head of the animal it is most favorable for an examina- 
tion, thereby throwing the intestines forward, so that they 
do not press on the womb. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 149 

When the examination is made in the lying position, 
it is much more fatiguing and difficult. In this position it 
is still more necessary that the croup should be higher than 
the fore part of the body. Also the spine should be higher 
than the limbs ; and the more an animal is raised above the 
ground when it is lying, the easier is the manipulation. The 
Sheep, Sow, and Goat may be raised on several bundles of 
straw; the Bitch and Cat on a table covered with straw or 

cloth. 

The shirt-sleeve must be rolled as high as the shoulder ; 
although it is preferable to remove the shirt, and wear only 
a vest during the examination. The hands and arms should 
be well smeared with clean oil or grease, to render their in- 
troduction into the genital passage more easy, and less ir- 
ritating to the lining membranes, also to some extent to 
protect the operator against infection. Rings should not be 
worn on the fingers. Before commencing the examination, 
empty the rectum, and, if possible, the bladder. 

Now the fingers should be gathered together in a cone- 
like form, the hand— which should not be cold— is inserted 
carefully and steadily into the vagina at a moment when 
the animal is not straining— the outer margin (little finger) 
being downwards, thumb upwards, and pushed gently in- 
wards by a slight rotatory movement; but the advance of 
the hand must be miomentarily checked if the straining is at 
all severe, or until the animal, if irritable, has become re- 
conciled to it. When once through the vulva, more room is 
found in the vagina, and the hand and arm can then pene- 
trate with ease as far as the neck of the womb. The opera- 
tor has first to satisfy himself whether the vagina is empty, 
or if it already contains some portion of the foetus or its 
miembranes, and what these are; and if any tumors exist, 
either within or external to the canal, and if possible their 
nature. If soft and fluctuating, carefully push to one side 
and away from the passage of the foetus. He has also to 
satisfv himself that the pelvis has the proper dimensions. 



150 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



With this object in view, he closes his hand to try if he can 
move his shut fist about in every direction, and with ease. 
Then stretching out the thumb, he can approximately judge 
the distance which intervenes between opposite points of 
the pelvic circumference, and in this way ascertain if a 
moderate sized foetus could pass through. The following 
figure and table of measurements will be found conven- 
ient: 




Fig. 21. 
DIAMETERS OF THE PELVIS. 

a b, Superior-inferior Diameter; c d, Superior Diameter; e 
f. Inferior Diameter; e i, f h. Oblique Diameters; J. K. Middle 
Diameter. 

NATURAL MEASUREMENTS OF THE PELVIS. 



SPECIES 



Mare 

Ass 

Cow 

Sheep 

Goat 

Pi^ 

Bitch 

Cat 



DIAMETERS 



Supero-inferior 



MEASURES 



8 to 9 inches 
8 inches 
8% inches 
4% inches 
4^ inches 
4 inches 
2 to 25^ inches 
2}i inches 



DIAMETERS 



Transverse 



MEASURES 



VA to 9 inches 
4% inches 
7 inches 
3 inches 
3% inches 
3r% inches 
1^ to 2 inches 
1-^ inches 



The above measurements are for m,edium sized ani- 
mals, with the exception of the Mare and Bitch, which are 
given for the large and small sized animals. After noting 



Obstetrics— Domesticated Animals. 151 

the above measurements, it can readily be understood that 
the head of the calf, which measures from 7 to lo m. by 4 
to 5 in., cannot pass through the pelvis of a Cow which 
measures four or five inches, and in such ca.es f--:. s^ou d 
not be attempted, as the foetus cannot be brought through, 
and must be delivered in pieces. (See Embryotomy.) 

The soft parts will also engage his attention, and he 
must learn whether the canal of the vagina is dry, or if i 
Hverv ; if it is found to be dry it should at once have oil or 
contains suificient mucus to facilitate manipulation or de- 
rxsecd tea introduced into it. Now the fingers are ^a.n 
brought together, and their «trem,ty pushed as fa as the 
neck^f the womb; here the chief points to be noted are. 
mether the neck of the womb still projects -to the vagina 
or if it is completely effaced; whether the -^^b Jias^e 
scended on the floor of the abdomen, or is yet m as ordm 
ary position; whether the texture of the -ck of the womb 
is soft or if hard and in a state of spasm. (For treatm..,t 
ee Hu'ried, Tumultuous Labour in Normal P-t-tion.) 
Whether th^ mouth of the womb is open or closed . 
closed or not sufficiently open to admit of the hana, t 
«:" be arefully and gently dilated with the fingers un^ 
The hand can be passed into the cavity of the womb- «- 
the operator will meet with the "water-bag," if it is not al 
ready ruptured, and the foetus, if he has not already en- 
ounter^Tit; at the same time the energy and frequency of 
the labour pains can be ascertained. ( For indications _^d 
treatment see, Hurried-Tumultvu^us Labour^^ and Pro- 
tracted Labour in Normal Parturition.) "*e water 
bag" is ruptured, the hand must be passed mto it in order 
to discover the situation of the foetus-the kind of presen- 
tation and position (see Difficult Labour froiu Ma presenta- 
tions of the Foetus), the manner in which the limbs are 
disposed, and any complication which may be present. If 
the "water-bag" is not ruptured, the hand may be passed 
between it and the womb, the palm being towards the foe- 



152 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

tus, if it is necessary to explore deeply. When labour is 
advanced, the pains being well marked, the rrtouth of the 
womb dilated, and the water-bag in the vagina, it is usually 
preferable to rupture the water-bag; which is readily ac- 
complished by seizing a portion of it between the thumb 
and first finger, and pressing the nail of the finger against 
the thumb. Sometimes the fingers alone are not sufficient, 
as when the envelops contain but little fluid ; then a pair of 
scissors, a small trocar, or even an ordinary pen, will effect 
this object. 

In examining for presentation and position, each re- 
gion of the body of the foetus should be familiar to the 
touch, as it can be distinguished by its own proper char- 
acters. If the presentation and position is natural, the hand 
of the operator will first come in contact with either the 
fore or hind limbs. To distinguish the fore from the hind 
limbs, the shape of the joints and their mode of flexion 
must be taken into account — the fetlock and knee of the 
fore limbs bend in the same direction, while in the hind 
limbs the fetlock and hock flex in opposite directions ; the 
knee, in addition, is large, round, and rather flattened in 
front, while the hock is flattened on each side, and offers 
the calcis as an unmistakable guide. There is also a dif- 
ference in the shape of the feet. (See Normal Parturition, 
also Figs. 17 and 18.) In difficult parturition the foetus 
may present in a variety of positions, in which hind and 
fore limbs may offer first, either alone or together (see Figs, 
under Difficult Parturition from Malpresentations of the 
Foetus) ; if the presentation is anterior, the head will be 
met with, and this is distinguished by the presence of the 
mouth, eyes, and ears ; if it is a posterior presentation, then 
we have the rounded croup, tail, hocks, and external geni- 
tal organs. In other presentations, the neck is recognized 
by the mane, if it be a Foal, or by its shape, whether Foal 
or Calf; the shoulders by the acromion processes and with- 
ers ; the chest by the ribs ; and so on. In addition to all 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 153 

this, the operator should judge as to the volume of the foe- 
tus ^and its proportions. 

It cannot be too strongly impressed upon the mind of 
the reader, the necessity of a thorough knowledge of Normal 
Parturition, before entering into the subject of Difficult 
Parturition. And of the necessity of the examination beine 
so complete as to furnish all the requirements of a sound 
decision ; then he must decide on his miode of procedure, in 
Oder to bring the young creature into one of the best posi- 
tions for delivery— either natural or artificial— so that this 
may be effected with certainty and rapidity. The required 
assistants should be selected, and to each should be alloted 
his share in the operation, in which he ought to be instructed 
briefly and clearly; the instruments, cords, and other ap- 
paratus ought next to be placed in readiness ; and then the 
task may be begun. Whatever is necessary to be done 
should be accomplished without delay, so as to spare the 
animal pain and exhaustion. 



DIFFICULT PARTURITION FROM MALPRESEN- 

TATIONS OR MALPOSITIONS OF 

THE FCETUS. 

Considering the frequency of Malpresentations or Mal- 
positions being the cause of difficult parturition or deliv- 
ery, and their often-times serious character, they deserve 
the most careful study in order that they may be successfully 
overcome. It is very necessary that Normal Parturition, 
also How to Hake Successful Examinations in Difficult 
Parturition be thoroughly and carefully read before reading 
the following Malpresentations. 

NATURAL--ANTERIOR PRESENTATION. 

In this presentation the extended head and the out- 
stretched forelimbs are toward the genital canal. As this 
presentation has been thoroughly explained and illustrated 



154 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



under Normal Parturition, the reader will be referred to 
that subject. 

DEVIATION OF THE HIND-LIMBS IN THE 
ANTERIOR PRESENTATION. 
In this presentation the operator will either find the 
thighs of the foetus turned outward from its flanks, or the 
hind legs flexed forward, underneath the belly of the foe- 
tus, and the feet or fetlocks caught under the brim of the 
pelvis at the inlet, so that delivery by force, would cause 
the hind feet to penetrate into the abdominal cavity of the 




Fig. 22. 

DEVIATION OF THE HIND-LIMBS IN THE ANTERIOR 
PRESENTATION. 

mother, and this might cause the death of the mother and 
off-spring. 

TREATMENT. — In nearly every case the preserva- 
tion of the mother is the object to be attained. A safe de- 
livery can be effected only by the proper adjustment of the 
hind legs. This is all the more difficult, when the foetus is 
well advanced in the passage and much traction has been 
employed. If upon examination, the thighs are extended 
outward from the flanks of the foetus, it should be forced 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 155 

back within the womb and the limbs drawn as closely to- 
gether as possible, with the hand. If this cannot be do^ne 
with the hands, take a well greased half-Inch rope, and 
fasten it around the body of the foetus with a running 
noose. (See Fig. 42.) Then the operator should work 
the rope just beyond the rump of the foetus, or midway 
between the rump and hocks. He must hold it there, 
while an assistant draws tightly on the rope and forces the 
thighs together. Then, with the proper traction the delivery 
can be completed, (See Traction.) If, however, the foe- 
tus cannot be forced back into the womb to adjust the 
thigh, cut the foetus off close up to the mother (see Em- 
bryotomy) ; then force the remainder back within the womb 
and deliver the hind feet first. If upon examination, the 
hind feet or fetlocks are found to be caught below the brim 
of the pelvis at the inlet, pass the hand between the belly 
of the foetus and the genital canal, until you come in con- 
tact w^ith the feet or fetlocks. Then pass the palm of the 
hand against the feet or fetlocks, and extend it backward 
and inward as far as -the arm wall reach, when traction may 
be applied to the foetus and delivery completed. (See 
Traction.) 

FORE-LIMBS CROSSED OVER THE NECK IN 
ANTERIOR PRESENTATION. 

It is not uncommon to find Foals and Calves in this 
position, and unless due assistance is given, the mother 
usually is more or less lacerated. When the limbs are 
crossed at the poll, the feet are pushed against the roof of 
the vagina, causing laceration of that part. Sometimes 
they are pushed through the roof of the vagina into the rec- 
tum, producing rupture of the perineum. This position, 
which always retards delivery. Is frequently recognized be- 
fore an examination is made. If the fore feet are seen 
pressing against the roof of the vagina, at the outlet, the 
probabilities are that both legs are crossed over the neck. 



156 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



If only one foot is seen pressing the roof of the vagina, or 
if both feet are observed on one side of the head, the one leg 
shorter than the other, only one leg is crossed. With these 
indications, no time should be lost in making an examina- 
tion to ascertain the true position. 

TREATMENT. — ^When only one limb is crossed, re- 
duction is not difficult. The leg is seized a little above the 
fetlock, raised, drawn to its proper side, and extended into 
the genital canal. Delivery may then take place without 
help, or gentle traction on the head and limbs may be nec- 
essarv. 




Fig. 23. 

FORE-LIMBS CROSSED OVER THE NECK IN THE 

ANTERIOR PRESENTATION. 

When both fore-limbs are crossed, and the foetus is 
not too far advanced in the pelvis, well greased half-inch 
cords should be fixed to each pastern (see Fig. 44), and 
then force the foetus back into the womb by pressing upon 
the head. Then the operator should place the feet on their 
proper sides, if possible. If he canot do this, bring the 
ropes to their proper sides, and, while the operator holds 
the head back firmly, let an assistant pull the rope on one 
side until that limb is brought into position. Then take 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



157 



hold of the other rope and fetch that Into position. Then 
place the head straight in a line above and between the 
limbs (as in Fig. 17), and delivery will be effected with 
but little traction. 

If the foetus is so firmly fixed in the pelvis that it is 
impossible to force it back into the womb, then the limbs of 
the foetus must be amputated. (See Embryotomy.) How- 
ever, this is a very exceptional occurrence. 

FORE-LIMBS FLEXED AT THE KNEES. 




Pig. 24. 

FORE-LIMBS FLEXED AT THE KNEES IN THE ANTERIOR 

PRESENTATION. 

One or both of the fore-limbs may be flexed at the 
knee. This is a frequent and often troublesome compHca- 
tion. If an examination is made before labour has pro- 
gressed any length of time, the nose and knees will be felt 
at the same time. But if labour has progressed any length 
of time, the operator will first come in cotnact with the 



158 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

head, for sometimes it is advanced in the passage even as 
far as the outlet. 

TREATMENT.— If the head has made but Httle pro- 
gress, the operator will have but little difficulty. While as- 
certaining the position of the legs, it is almost always 
found that one has greater liberty than the other, and, if 
seized by the fetlock, can be thrown easily into its natural 
position. Then seize the other leg just below the knee, 
raise with the lower part of the hand (see Fig. 25), while 
pressing backward with the upper part of the hand, and 
that leg can be brought easily into position. Use the right 



Fig. 25. 

EXTENDING THE FORE-LIMBS IN THE ANTERIOR 
PRESENTATION. 

hand to handle the left foreleg, and the left hand for the 
right foreleg. 

If the head has been well forced into the passage or 
presented beyond the outlet, the case will have to be 
handled differently. First secure the head with a well- 
greased half- inch rope head collar (see Figs. 43 and 44), 
then grasp the head, and, during the intervals between the 
labour pains, force it back into the womb ; then grasp the 
legs separately below the knees and raise them up, pressing 
backward at he knee and forward further down the leg, 
and in this way bring them into position one at a time. The 
operator must take hold of the knee and force it back into 
the womb, while an assistant draws on the rope. In this 
manner the leg will be forced upward and outward, into 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 159 

the proper position. Then fetch the other Hmb up in the 
same manner. 

REVERSED POSITION.— If the young animal is 
lying upon its back, with the legs turned upward within the 
womb, it will be impossible to extract it in that position. It 
must be turned, which is a difficult task. 

In this, as in all manipulations of the mother if in a 
lying position, the hind parts should be raised higher than 
the fore quarters. Seize the foetus and fasten a small, 
greased rope around each fore fetlock, and another around 
the jaws. Then, if the foetus is slightly turned to the left, 
let the operator pass his right hand under the left shoulder. 
Have the rope attached to the right leg, pass out on the 
left side of the head. Then, at each labour pain, draw 
tightly upon the rope, and with the hand under the shoul- 
der, raise up with a rotary movement. In the course of 
time the little creature will be completely turned around 
to the proper position. Proceed in a manner precisely the 
reverse, if the foetus is turned to the right. When the 
proper position is gained, delivery will be easy. If the 
mother can be kept in a standing position, the foetus can 
be much more easily handled. 

FORE-LIMBS COMPLETELY RETAINED. 

The complete retention of one or both of the fore-legs 
of the foetus within the womb, with head presentation, is 
often met with. With the Mare, the Foal usually dies be- 
fore delivery is completed. With the Cow, the danger to 
the Calf is not so great. The Foal or Calf may be born 
with the fore-limbs retained, and without injury to the 
mother or off-spring. But this only occurs when the foetus 
is small, and the maternal pelvis roomy. However, with 
the muciparous animals this might almost be designated a 
normal presentation. 

On examination, the operator's hand will first come 
in contact with the head of the foetus, if both limbs are 



160 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



completely retained ( Fig. 27) ; the head may be forced well 
into the vagina, even to the vulva, at each labour pain, but 
retracting immediately after each pain ceases. Sometimes 
it is with the greatest difficulty that the fore-legs are reached, 
owing to the vast dimensions of the womb. When the 
fore-limbs of the foetus can be felt, they are usually lying 
either immediately under its abdomen, or beside the chest 
and flanks. In some cases the head is also in an abnormal 
position. If only one limb is completely retained, the other 




Fig. 26. 

ANTERIOR PRESENTATION: ONE FORE-LIMB COMPLETE- 
LY RETAINED. (CALF). 

will be in a normal position — alongside or under the heact. 
{Fig. 26.) 

TREATMENT.— Reach the limb or limbs with the 
hand. In order to do this it may be necessary to force the 
"head back within the womb. If so, first place a rope 
around the neck and another around the lower jaw, then 



Obstetrics — Domesticated /\nimals. 



161 



force it back within the womb during the intervals between 
the labour pains, then pass another rope around the fore- 
arm of the foetus, pushing it well down toward the knee, 
and use gentle traction until the knee is brought up to tne 
passage. Then fasten the rope to the fetlock, and have an 
assistant to use traction upward and outward, while the 
operator grasps the knee and forces it upward and back- 
ward into the womb. Next bring the other leg into posi- 




Fig. 27. 

ANTERIOR PRESENTATION: BOTH FORE-LIMBS 

COMPLETELY RETAINED. (CALF). 

tion, in the same way. Now having the limbs in the proper 
position, next find the head and place the hand under the 
nose and lower jaw, and have an assistant pull upon the 
rope which was fixed to the jaw. until the head is brought 
into position ; only moderate traction will be required after 
this to complete delivery. (See Traction.) 

If the head presents as far as the vulva and the foetus 



162 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



is dead, peel the skin back from the head to the neck, al- 
lowing the skin to remain intact ; then remove the head at the 
first or second joint of the spine, taking care that the end 
of the bones are covered with the skin of the head. (This 
will prevent laceration.) Then fasten a well greased rope to 
this part, and push back within the womb, the limbs can then 
be extended, and extraction may be effected. Should de- 
livery still be impossible, then the foetus must be extracted 
by piecemeal. (See Embryotomy.) 

In the Sheep, Goat, .Sow, Bitch, and Cat, forced ex- 
traction is usually practiced with success. (See Traction.) 




Fig. 28. 

ANTERIOR PRESENTATION: DOWNWARD DEVIATION OF 

THE HEAD. (FOAL). 

DOWNWARD DEVIATION OF THE HEAD, 
ANTERIOR PRESENTATION. 

The deviation may be slight (Fig. 28), or it may be 
great, which is termed extreme downward deviation of the 
head (Fig. 29). This presentation occurs most frequently 
when the foetal membranes are prematurely ruptured. 

On making an examination, the hand of the operator 
will come in contact first with the feet, and next with the 
top of the head, which will be recognized by the ears, eyes. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



163 



nape of the neck, and if a Foal by the forelock and mane. 
The upper ridge of the neck is always a safe guide to fol- 
low in discovering the direction of the head. 

TREATMEN T.— When the deviation is slight 
the operator should, during the intervals of straining, 
press backward and upward against the top of the head; 
then pass the hand down under the nose, seize the lower 
jaw and raise upward and outward, bringing the head into 




Fig. 29. 

ANTERIOR PRESENTATION: EXTREME DOWNWARD 

DEVIATION OF THE HEAD. (CALF). 

the natural position (See Fig. 17). Now bring the head 
into the passage and complete delivery in the usual way. 
However, if necessary, a rope may be applied to the upper 
jaw as described in Extreme Deviation of the Head, which 
will soon be alluded to. 

The same procedure is necessary with the Sheep and 



164 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

Goat; while with the Bitch and Cat deHvery must be ef- 
fected by means of forceps. 

In Extreme Deviation, with the head bent under the 
body, the case is most difficult, and especially when there 
has been delay or much traction on the foetus in attemptinsf 
to deliver it. 

The contractions of the closely applied womb render 
attempt at delivery almost impossible, by their paralyzing 
the hand and arm. Large quantities of warm flaxseed tea 
or warm raw linseed oil must be injected into the vagina. 
With a crutch or repeller (Figs. 51 and 52) placed at each 
shoulder of the foetus, push it back within the womb, and 
pass the running noose (Fig, 42) of a well greased rooe 
around the upper jaw, and while an assistant pulls at this, the 
operator, by pressing strongly against the top of the head, 
may bring the nose into the normal position (Fig. 17). 
Should this fail, then the animal should be thrown on its 
back ; the success which has attended this change of attitude 
in so many recorded instances, should induce the obstetrist 
to adopt it without much delay. Very often the altered 
position of the mother at once disengages the head of the 
foetus; if this does not happen, then undoubtedly embryo- 
toniy will be necessary. (See Embryotomy.) Indeed, it 
should be resorted to early if the foetus is dead, which is 
nearly always the case in the Mare. Place a rope around 
the bend in the neck, and amputate the fore-limbs first, as 
in many cases the removal of one fore-limb will permit de- 
livery ; but it is generally necessary to pull on the roDe that 
was placed around the neck. Sometimes it will be found 
necessary to amputate both fore-limbs, also the head 
These operations are throuoghly explained under Embryo- 
tomy (which see). 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



165 



LATERAL DEVIATION OF THE HEAD TO THE 
RIGHT OR LEFT. 

This is a very serious obstacle to birth, and is fre- 
•quently one of the most difficult to overcome. It is also one 
of the most frequent deviations. It is due to precipitate or 
tumultuous labour, with the mouth of the womb either im- 
perfectly OT not at all dilated. The contractions of the 
womb propel the head of the foetus towards the pelvis ; but 




Fig. 30. 

ANTERIOR PRESENTATION: LATERAL DEVIATION OF 

THE HEAD TOWARDS THE SHOULDER. (CALF). 

as the mouth of the womb is not open, and as the impelling 
force continues, the body pushes the nose against the occlud- 
ed mouth of the womb, and turns it to one side ; then the 
deviation becomes increased with every contraction. Pre- 
mature escape of the "waters," spasms of the neck of the 
womb, and torsion of the womb may also cause it. In some 
instances there can scercelv be anv doubt that the deviation 



166 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



has taken place some time before gestation is completed, as 
in many Foals at birth the neck cannot be straightened, 
and the head is distorted. 

On examination it is not difficult, as a rule, tO' distin- 
gfuish lateral deviation. Usually both fore- feet are in the 
genital canal, but birth does not progress. An important 
fact to rem^ember is that one limb — that belonging to the 
side to which the head is bent — seem's to be shorter, or less 




Fig. 31. 

ANTERIOR PRESENTATCON: LATERAL DEVIATION OF 
THE HEAD TOWARDS THE ABDOMEN. (CALF). 

advanced, than the other. The hand on being passed be- 
yond these toward the inlet, comes in contact with a convex 
mass, which renders access to the cavity of the womb dif- 
ficult. Patient exploration discovers this mass to be the 
bent neck ; and if it is a Calf, owing to the shortness of the 
neck, the head is soon found, and recognized by the ears, 
eyes, and often the muffle turned toward the shoulder. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 167 

With the foal the neck being longer, makes it much more 
difficult to reach the head. This difficulty is g^reatlv m- 
, creased if the abdomen of the mother is very pendulous. 

TREATMENT.— If the head can be felt by the hana, 
catch hold of the cheeks, by slipping the fingers into the 
mouth, and raise the head into position. If it cannot be 
brought into position in this way, then slip a well greased, 
running noose (Fig. 42") around the lower jaw, secure the 
fore-limbs with ropes and push the foetus back into the 
womb. Then have an assistant pull on the rope which is 
attached to the jaw, while the operator pushes inward on 
the neck just at the bend. Bring the head into the vaginal 
passage, draw up the feet and complete delivery. 

In case the feet present and the head cannot be reached 
by the operator, it will be necessary to fasten small greased 
ropes to the fore fetlocks ; then return the fore-limbs to the 
womb, pressing them to the opposite side from that to 
which the head is bent. Then if the head is turned to the 
right, press against the left shoulder; if to the left, press 
against the right shoulder. With the hand or a crutch, 
fasten a rope around the neck, and pass the rope along the 
neck until as near the head as possible ; then twist the rope 
until it presses deeply into the flesh of the neck, care being 
taken not to entangle the membranes in the rope. Now 
press inward on the shoulder and draw outwards and side- 
wa3's on the rope which is around the neck, and the head 
will be drawn backward toward the natural position. Con- 
tinue in this until the head is reached, when a rope should 
be fastened to the head or lower jaw, after which it can 
easily be brought into position. Then draw up the feet and 
complete delivery. 

When it is found impossible, or not advisable, to at- 
tempt adjustment of the head and neck, then recourse must 
be that of Embryotomy (which see). 

With the Sheep and Goat, this deviation must be rem- 
edied by forced extraction with the short blunt hook or 



168 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



finger-hook (Figs. 53 and 54), the fore-limb of the foetus 
being manipulated so as to push away the unencumbered 
shoulder into the womb. The sniallness of the genital pas- 
sages in these anim.als is an obstacle to manipulation, but an 
intelligent boy with a small hand may be of much service 
when acting under the direction of the obstetrist. 

With the Bitch and Sow these deviations are extreme- 
ly rare. When they do occur it will be found that the for- 
ceps will generally effect forced extraction; or a piece of 
strong catgut' or brass or copper wire, may be passed around 
the bend of the neck. Traction on this will either remove 
the foetus, or by cutting through the neck permit it to be 
extracted by the forceps. (See Forceps.) 




Fig. 32. 



ANTERIOR PRESENTATION: DEVIATION OF THE 
UPWARDS AND BACKWARDS. 



HEAD 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. • 169 

DEVIATION OF THE HEAD UPWARD AND 
BACKWARD. 

In this position, the head will be found more or less 
extended along the back, or slig-htly deviated to one side, 
with the lower jaw resting against the mothers back. This 
position may lead to rupture of the womb and rectum, and 
the delivery of the foetus by the rectum. 

On exploration, the fore-limbs may be found more or 
less advanced in the vagina. On deeper exploration, the 
hand meets the chest, while above it is the front part of the 
neck, with the wind-pipe leading upwards to the head. 

TREATMENT. — It is necessary to force the foetus 
back within the womb by pressing the chest downward. 
Should the head not drop down into the natural position, it 
will be necessary to seize the head by the mouth or lower 
jaw and bring towards the mouth of the womb, by carrying 
it downwards and a little to one side if necessary, bv a 
slightly screwing rhotion. If the head cannot be brought 
forward with the hand, place a small rope around the lower 
jaw and have an assistant pull, while the operator guides the 
head wath his hand until it is brought into the natural pas- 
sage, when delivery will be completed easily. This is not a 
difficult position and can be rectified wath ease and safety. 
Embrj/otomy is rarely necessary. 

In the smaller animals — at least in the Bitch — delivery 
has been effected without bringing the foetus to the natural 
position. 

HEAD RETAINED, AND WITH IT ONE OR 
BOTH OF THE FORE-LIMBS. 

These complicated cases are seldom met with. But 
when they do occur, it is usually preferable to adjust, the 
limbs first, then the head ; but it sometimes happens that it 
is more advantageous to begin with the head — for instance, 
when H is much forward in the womb. But it is really of 



170 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



no great moment which part is first dealt with, so long as 
the precaution is taken first to cord those which are de- 
viated. Then the procedure will be the same as described 
under the deviation of that part. 

NORMAL POSTERIOR PRESENTATION. 
In this position the hind-limbs are fully extended 
backwards, and are the first to enter the genital canal. This 
presentation has been explained and illustrated under Nor- 
mal Parturition (which see). 

HOCK PRESENTATION. 
This presentation usually results when there is a pos- 
terior presentation, and the womb contractions force the 
foetus towards the neck of the womb, before the hind-limbs. 




Fig. 33. 
POSTERIOR PRESENTATION: 



HOCK. (CALF). 



are completely extended. (Fig. 33.) As labour advances, 
the croup has a tendency to descend, and with the points, 
of the hocks, to advance through the mouth of the womb^ 
The double legs and croup, jammed in the inlet, form far 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 171 

too large a mass to advance further. Labour is, therefore, 
suspended, and the animal becomes exhausted with futile 

straining. 

On making an examination, the point of the hock is 
always the first part the hand of the operator encounters; 
but it may be found at various depths. Sometimes the 
hocks alone are in the canal, the body of the foetus being 
still in the womb : while in other cases both the hocks and 
the croup are wedged in the passage. 

TREATMENT.— With the larger anintals at their 
full period of pregnancy, birth cannot take place, as a rule 
until the malpresentation has been rectified; and to attempt 
deliverv before this has been done is to expose the Cow or 
Mare— particularly the Mare— to great danger. With the 
Sheep, Goat, Sow, and Bitch, the foetus can be, and often 
is extracted in this malposition by forced extraction. With 
the Mare and Cow it is necessary to give the hind-limbs a 
favorable direction, bv extending them into the genital 
canal In adjusting the hind-limbs, it will be necessary to 
push the foetus as far as possible into the womb. This can 
be effected without difficulty-even in the Mare-at the 
commencement of parturition, when the foetus has not yet 
entered the pelvic inlet, or, at most, the points of the hocks 
are only engaged. But when labour is more advanced, and 
the hocks with the croup is wedged in the passage, the dif- 
ficulty is greatly increased in the Cow, and even in the 
Mare it may be impossible to push the foetus back into the 
womb. However, it should always be attempted. This is 
best accomplished by raising the hind-quarters of the 
mother as much as possible ; then the hand should be ap- 
plied to the buttock of the young creature, the thumb on one 
hip, the fingers on the other, and immediately below the 
tail! If the repeller or crutch (Figs. 51 and 52) is used 
(and it is very convenient in these cases), it should be 
placed across the thighs. The foetus should be steadily 
forced back in the intervals between the labour-pains ; this 



172 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

force should be directed slightly upward, so as to raise the 
croup. At first the resistance seems to be insurmountable, 
but gradually the foetus begins to move, and finally is forced 
sufiiciently into the womb, to allow the hind-lim'bs to be 
seized; the hand may then fasten a small, greased rope on 
each pastern (by m.eans of the porte-cord (Fig. 49), if nec- 
essary). Next flex one limb as completely as possible, 
commencing with the lower leg and lifting it well up 
against the thigh, then the hock is bent ; the limb is now 
seized at the lower end of the cannon-bone, or even at the 
fetlock, and is then lifted into the vagina. The same pro- 
cedure is carried out with the other leg. With the Foal it 
sometimes happens that, owing to the length of the limbs, 
the foot of the foetus jamis on the pubis of the mother. In 
such cases the cord attached to the pastern is most useful, 
as the operator may allow the foot to pass from his hand, 
and press the point of the hock towards the womb ; while 
an assistant pulls at the cord at such times, and with the 
amount of force, as the obstetrist may order. 

It frequently happens that the foetus cannot be forced 
back into the womb. When this occurs with the Mare, it 
may be presumed that the foetus no longer lives, or that 
it will perish before delivery is completed. There can be no 
objection, then, in resorting to Embryotomy (which see), 
so as to relieve the Mare as quickly as possible. 

With the Cow, the Calf is very frequently alive, and 
an important consideration is how to deliver it in this con- 
dition. Should it be impossible to force the Calf back into> 
the womb, forced extraction in this malposition should be 
attempted (See Traction) ; it has often proved successful, 
and particularly when only one limb was retained. To ef- 
fect forced extraction with one limb alone flexed, the leg 
extended in the vagina should be corded at the pastern, or 
■above the hock if this can be reached. A cord is then to be 
'passed around the bent hock by means of the porte-cord" 
(Fig. 49), and traction exercised during the. labour-pains. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



173 



WHien both legs are flexed at the hocks, a cord must be 
passed around each, as in Fig. 34. The necessary force can 
then be exercised. Should forced extraction not succeed, 
the limbs may be amputated, as with the Mare. (See Em- 
bryotomy.) 

In the posterior malpositions, it is well to ascertain 
the direction of the tail; as it is sometimes thrown back 




Fig. 34. 
HOCK PRESENTATION: HOCK CORDED. (CALF). 

over the croup (as in Fig. 34), and may thus increase the 
difficulty. It may readily be brought back to its natural 
position by passing the hand from the root to its extremity, 
and bringing it into the vagina by withdrawing the arm. In 
some instances it may be necessary to force the foetus into 
the womb before the tail can be adjusted. 

With the Sheep and Goat the same procedure is ap- 



174 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



plicable, but the Bitch, Sow, and Cat, generally does not 
experience any difficulty in expelling the foetus when in this 
position. Therefore, they do not require any especial at- 
tention. 

THIGH AND CROUP PRESENTATION. 

The cause of this malposition is the same as that operat- 
ing in hock presentation. Authorities are generally unan- 
imous in asserting that this is one of the mpst difficult mal- 




Fig. Go. 
• THIGH AND CROUP PRESENTATION. (CALF). 

positions the obstetrist can encounter. Very frequently the 
mother perishes without being delivered ; and though some- 
times a live Calf may be extracted, it is rare that a living 
Foal is obtained. 

On examination, the tail and buttocks of the foetus 
are the first parts that the hand encounters ; then the croup 
and haunches, and below, beneath the pubis, are found the 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 175 

hocks; though, when the hmbs are fully extended under 
the body, they are beyond reach. . ... 

TREATMENT. — The first rational indication is to ex- 
tend the limbs of the foetus backward. This is often most 
difficult to fulfill, though it is possible when labour is not 
too far advanced, and when the foetus can be pushed suf- 
ficiently from the inlet to allow one limb to be seized above 
the hock, and the thigh and leg flexed as completely as cir- 
cumstances will permit. Still pushing the foetus ofiE by 
m.eans of the repeller (Figs. 51 and 52), the hand is passed 
down to the foot, until the toe and front part rest m the 
palm of the hand ; by adopting this precaution, danger of 
injury to the womb or vagina is averted. Then the foot is 
brought into the vagina by flexing all the joints on each 
other Again pushing the foetus forward the same 
manoeuvre is repeated with the other limb, if necessary; 
forced extraction has succeeded with only one leg in the pas- 
age and sometimes with little difficulty. Btrt forced ex- 
raction of the foetus, without adjustment of one leg, 1 
very serious, and is most always fatal to the mother, as well 

" *n tTamination is delayed until parturition is some- 

:Sef^rpet-rrir\iSbV^r^^^^^^ 

Te fnlet When this occurs it is often impossible to force 
h o us back within the womb. Throwing the mother on 
fh back or side m.ay effect a change for the better in the 
position of the foetus; or, if lying, then raise the hind 
Quarters Should this fail, there are but two courses open- 
forced extraction of the foetus in this abnormal position, or 
removing it by embryotomy. 

Lecoq's method of forced extraction consists m passing 
the hand, furnished with a rope, between the pelvic wall of 
the mother and the body of the foetus, as far as the thigh 
of the foetus ; the rope is then pushed beneath the thigh as 
far as possible and left there, while the hand is passed 



176 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



above — between the leg and body, so as to bring the end of 
the rope up around' the stifie and back through the vagina. 
In this way the thigh is encircled by a loop, as in Fig. 30. 
The other thigh should be secured in the same way by an- 
other rope. The ends of the ropes being joined together 
outside, assistants, under the direction of the operator, pull 
with the necessary amount of force (See Traction) ; while 
the hand of the operator assists in the vagina, either in 
guiding the foetus, seizing on and pulling at any part that 
may offer, or smoothing down the folds of the lining mem- 
brane in the canal, which might otherwise increase tl:e ob- 




Fig. 36. 

THIGH AND CROUP PRESENTATION: THIGH CORDED. 

(FOAL). 

stacie. The foetus has been extracted alive by this preced- 
ure, but this is a rare occurrence ; and more frequently the 
foetus, or mother and foetus, perish. Therefore, embry- 
otomy is usually resorted to in preference to forced extrac- 
tion. (See Kmbryotomy.) 

The Bitch, Sow, and Ew^e, may be delivered by the 
foiceps (Fig. 56), small crochet (Figs. 53 and 55), or the 
tube-noose (Figs. 47-48). which are described under their 
various headings. 



OnsTETRics — D()M!:sTiCATi-:n Animals. 177 

TRANSVERSE PRESENTATION. 

The foetus is in a transverse position, when, upon ex- 
amination, the hand of the operator first encounters the 
shoulders, withers, sides, flankV, haunches, loins, back, 
breast, belly, or all of the limbs collected together. 

BACK, LOIN, AND SHOULDER PRESENTATION. 

The withers are recognized by the prominences which 
the spinous processes form at this part; the thin, wedge- 
shaped outline of the part. The region of the loin may hi 
distinguished by the large and almost level surface it ofifers ; 
the hollow of the flank leading to the thigh and stifle. The 
back is discovered by the arches of the ribs sprmging from 







Fig. 37. 
TRANSVERSEI PRESENTATION. (FOAL). 

each side. A^fter determining which part presents, it is 
necessary to ascertain the direction in which the head lies, 
before attempting to rectify the ix)sition. 

TREATMENT.— If the 'Svaters" have escaped and 
the womb and vagina are dry, inject warm flaxseed tea Into 
them- Now the principal object is to turn the foetus, and 
convert the transverse position into either an anterior o^ a 
posterior presentation, for only in this way can delivery be 
effected. If the position of the foetus is such, that the fore- 
limbs are most convenient, and can with the least diflicultv 



178 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



be brought into the pelvic inlet, the position should be con- 
verted into an anterior presentation. If the hind-limbs are 
more accessible and can be brought into the inlet with less 
difficulty, convert the position into a posterior presentation. 
The flaxseed injections into the womb, together with the con- 
tractions of the womb, and the operator forcing 
the foetus forward within the womb in an oblique 
direction, opposite that of the part which is to be 
brought into the inlet, will, in many cases, cause, 




Fig. 38. 

TRANSVERSE PRESENTATION WITH SHOULDER AND LOIN 
PRESENTED. (FOAL). 

the body of the foetus to glide around the inner 
surface of the womb, until a convenient part presents. 
Now the operator must ascertain if the limbs, and if anterior- 
presentation, the limbs and head, are in the proper posi- 
tion (See Figs. 17 and 18), before bringing them into the 
passage. If they are not, adjust them and bring into the- 
passage by means of the hand, or if much traction is nec- 
essary, a rope may be used with advantage. But In either 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animal-^. 



179 



case it will be necessary to g^ide the foetus with the hand. 
The Ewe and Goat will require the same manipulation as 
the Mare and Cow. With the Bitch and Cat the foetus will 
be more successfully turned into a normal presentation bv 
means of the forceps and external abdominal manipula- 
tions. 

BREAST AND ABDOMINAL PRESENTATION: 

In this position the foetus is placed horizontally across 
the womb, the legs flexed or extended toward the inlet. 

On examination, as the operator passes the hand to 




Fig. 39. 

TRANSVERSE PRESENTATION: SHOULDER AND 
PRESENTED. (FOAL.) 



LOIN 



explore the parts, it first encounters the feet — usually all 
four of them. They may be in the womb doubled against 
the body of the foetus, or they may be in the genital canal, 
and even protrude from the vulva. In the majority of 
cases, either the hind-quarters or the fore-quarters are near 
the passage, a condition recognized by the legs of that part 
bcino- further advanced than those of the other. The direc- 
tion of the head must be ascertained, which is readily de- 



180 



OcsTETKics — Domesticated Animals. 



termined if the head can be felt. If this is impossible, then 
a careful examination of the limbs will be necessary. To 
distinguish between the hind-limbs and the fore-limbs^ 
read the paragraph explaining this, under How to Make 
Successful Examinations in Difficult Parturition. It must 
be remembered that in this presentation, the fore-limbs and 
hind-limbs are across each other, when engaged in the gen- 
ital passage. The hind-limbs, crossing the fore-Hmbs, are- 
pointing towards the head or anterior part of the body of 
the foetus ; while the fore-limbs, crossing the hind-limbs, 




Fig. 40. 

TRANSVERSE PRESENTATION: BREAST AND ABDOMEN 

PRESENTED, HEAD AND FEET ENGAGED. (FOAL). 

point toward the posterior part of the foetus. As a rule, 
this is not a very serious presentation. The gravity of the 
case depends somewhat upon the length of time labour has 
been in progress. It is impossible for birth to occur while 
the foetus is in this position, and if the mother does not 
receive the necessary aid in due time, her straining may 
not only cause the death of the foetus, but the mother will 
likewise perish from prostration. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



181 



TREATMENT. — Generally the operator will find it 
advantageous to convert the position into a posterior presen- 
tation and deliver the hind feet first. Fasten well greased 
ropes around the limbs which are to be extracted first. If 
only one hind-foot and one fore-foot are engaged in the pas- 
sage, fasten a rope around one hind foot and search for the 
other one ; secure it, and bring it into the passage. Now re- 
turn the presenting fore-limb to the womb, forcing it as far 




Fig. 41. 

TRANSVERSE PRESENTATION: BREAST AND ABDOMEN 

PRESENTED, HIND-LIMBS MOST ADVANCED, HEAD 

RETAINED. (CALF). 

in as possible, apply traction and deliver. 

If all four feet are presented in the passage, fasten 
ropes to the hind feet; then return the fore-feet as far as 
possible within the womb. Sometimes this is more easily 
accomplished by flexing the fore-limbs at the knee, until 



182 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

the foot rests ag^ainst the elbow; then force it within the 
womb in a downward direction, while the assistant draws 
upon the hind-feet. With this manipulation the foetus will 
generally straighten out, and with slight traction birth will 
soon be completed. But when the hind-legs, croup, and 
hips have been delivered, the operator should pass his hand 
between the belly of the foetus and the floor of the genital 
canal, to ascertain if the fore-limbs have become cramped 
or fastened within the inlet. If so, straighten them by 
pushing them inward, for if not straightened, serious results 
might follow. Even if the head is engaged along with all 
four limbs in the passage, it is preferable to return it to 
the womb in a downward direction along with the fore- 
limbs, and that delivery be made with the hind-feet first. 

It is well that he operator bear in mind the necessity 
of the back of the foetus being placed against the back of the 
mother, before attempting delivery, whatever the presenta- 
tion may be. 

In those cases in which the foetus has the limbs 
doubled against he body, and can only be touched with the 
tips of the' fingers of the operator, the hind-quarters of the 
mother should be lowered by placing her on a sloping floor 
— on the back if necessary ; an assistant then manipulates 
the foetus through the abdominal wall, so as to move it 
toward the inlet, where one or more of its limbs may be 
secured by the operator. The procedure will then be the 
same as the above. 

In the breast and abdominal presentation, if it is found 
impossible to force the foetus back into the womb and the 
foetus is dead, there should be no hesitation about resort- 
ing to embryotomy (which see). 

The foregoing indications and treatment are applicable 
to the Sheep and Goat, as well as the Mare and Cow. With 
the Bitch and Cat. the foetus can be more successfully 
turned or converted into a normal presentation, by means 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 183 

of the forceps (Fig. 56), and external abdominal manipu- 
lation. 

MALPRESENTATIONS OF TWIN FOETUSES. 

Difficult parturition is sometimes present during the 
delivery of twin foetuses. This is usually due either to one 
or both presenting in a malposition, or both presenting at 
the inlet together. As they cannot pass through the canal 
together, hence the difficulty. For illustration of Twin 
Foetuses in the Normial Position, see Fig. 11. 

On examination, it is sometimes found that the limbs 
of the twins are so interlaced that they are separated only 
with the greatest difficulty. But they must be separated; 
and then the operator has to determine which one presents 
the most favorably. If assistance is not afforded before 
both foetuses become wedged into the pelvic inlet, the opera- 
tor will experience great difficulty in adjusting them. But 
if distinguished before entering the inlet, but little trouble 
need be arfticipated. 

TREATMENT.— After untangling and selecting the 
foetus which presents the most favorably, fasten ropes to 
the head and fore-limbs or to the hind-limbs, as the presen- 
tation may be, and arrange them in a direction proper for 
delivery. Then an assistant by means of the ropes, draws 
the foetus toward the outlet, while the operator pushes the 
other foetus back into the womb. After delivering the first 
one, search for the other, which probably will be in a mal- 
position, requiring adjustment before it can be born. The 
procedure in this case will be the same as if only a single 
foetus had been delivered. 



184 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



MECHANICAL MEANS AND INSTRUMENTS 

USED FOR THE EXTRACTION OF 

THE FCETUS. 

MECHANICAL DILATATION OF THE MOUTH OF 

THE WOMB. 

If the fingers and hand are to afford the means for dila- 
tation of the mouth of the womb, they must be well oiled, 
.or smeared with extract of belladonna, and introduced in 
the form of a cone, towards the mouth ; if they cannot he 
passed into the canal in this shape, then the insertion of one 

'C 




Fig. X. 
WOMB DILATOR. 

finger may be attempted, followed by a second, and so on 
until the hand has been pushed through. Very frequently 
this cannot be accomplished at the first trial, nor yet at the 
second; but with patience and judgment it rarely fails, and 
if conducted with the care and gentleness which all opera- 
tions of this kind should receive, such manipulation may be 
attempted without the least danger at intervals of a few 
hours, until crowned with success. The condition of the 
mouth of the womb should be ascertained, after a certain 
period has elapsed since the last attempt, every precaution 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 185 

being adopted to prevent injury ; and an entrance to it ought 
only to be effected when the resistance has greatly dimin- 
ished, and can easily be overcome. 

Mechanical dilatation of the mouth of the womb by 
means of the sponge tent has been much and successfully 
employed. The tent can usually be purchased at the drug- 
gist's, but if not it is easily made as described in the treat- 
ment of sterility (which see). Of course, the size of the 
tent varies according to the size of the animal. The sponge- 
tent is especially indicated when the object is to induce la- 
bour. 

The womb dilator (Fig. X) is very useful, as it dilates 
the mouth of the womb in the same manner as the natural 
"water-bag." The bag (A) when in an empty condition, is 
introduced into the mouth of the womb by mseans of a 
whalebone sound or director (B), which fits into a small 
pocket (C) at the side; it is pushed through the canal until 
the pocket end projects into the womb ; then warm water is 
steadily injected into it by means of the tube and bulb (D) 
attached to the other end. When filled with water the bag 
remains in the mouth of the womb, in consequence of the 
middle portion being narrower than the two ends. A sim- 
pler, and perhaps as useful, a contrivance, can be construct- 
ed from the fresh bladder of an animal securely tied to a 
bulb syringe and used in the same manner as Fig. X. Also 
see treatment for Hurried Labour in Normal Parturition. 

CORDS— ROPES— BANDS. 

Ropes and bands are, of all mechanical means, the 
most useful in veterinary obstetricy. They vary in thick- 
ness and length ; they are usually about five or six feet in 
length, and if spun rope, from a quarter to half an inch or 
more thick. At one end may be a loop (Fig. 42), or iron 
ring (Fig. 50), by which to form a running noose (Fig. 
42). If a somewhat stiff loop is required, it is very useful 



186 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



to have a long piece of copper wire twined in the cord. 
Ropes should be thoroughly cleansed and greased before 
using. As ropes readily absorb germs and septic matter, 
it is never safe to use the same rope a second time. Some 
practitioners are very careless about this, and the result is 
usually unsatisfactory. 

For the jaw the cord should be rather thin and soft, 
but strong. To render a hard cord softer, it may be par- 
tially untwisted at the part intended to go around a portion 
of the foetus. 

W/hen running knots or loops are made, these should 
he so tied that there is no chance of their becoming untied 
through slipping, when they come in contact with lubricat- 





Fijsr. 42-A. 

TRACTION CORD AND BAND. 
•THE MANNER OF APPLYING THEM. 



Fig^. 42 B. 
TRACTION CORD. 



ing fluids and are strained. Whatever is used for this pur- 
pose should be very pliable, and yet sufficiently strong to 
withstand energetic pulling. 

A very good traction cord is made as illustrated in 
Fig. 42-B. This is merely a cord with a running noose at 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 187 

one end, and a small piece of round wood at the other, to 
give the assistant a better hold, and enable him to use more 
force. This is applied in the same manner as Fig. 42-A. 
Either mode, Fig. 42-A or B, will be found very simple and 
convenient to apply, especially to the limbs. 

MANNER OF APPLYING, FIG. 42-A and B.— 
Gather the fingers together so as to form a kind of cone, on 
which the running noose of the cord is placed, as in Fig. 
42-A. The noose is kept in its place on the fingers, in 
tightening the cord, by the free portion which passes along 
the under side of the hand and arm ; unless this precaution 
is adopted, the noose will be pushed back over the hand 
when introduced into the vagina. The hand and cord being 
oiled, are introduced into the passage, and when the foot 
is reached it is seized in the fingers ; these are then suddenly 
bent, so as to shorten the cone and cause the noose to run 
onto the pastern by a gentle pull of the cord, which can then 
be tightened and given to an assistant. The neck of the 
lower jaw is "corded" in a similar manner; the mouth of 
the foetus being opened, the noose is passed around the 
neck of the lower jaw, and the knot or loop placed beneath 

the chin. 

Cords are very useful and can be applied to any por- 
tion of the body. When long cords are used, and energetic 
traction is likely to be employed, knots should be tied at 
intervals, to prevent the hands of the assistant slipping. 

HEAD-COLLAR, HEAD-CORD, OR HALTER. 

As before mentioned, the interdental space, or '"neck"" 
of the iaw is convenient for the attachment of the cord; but 
it will be found in practice, that if the noose does not slip 
off the iaw, which is often the case, should the traction be 
at all energetic, the bones will probably be smashed, the foe- 
tus, if alive, irreparably damaged. It is, therefore, very 
important that the head-collar be placed on the foetus 



188 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



whenever it will accomplish the desired effect, in preference 
to the cording of the jaws. 

The Head-collar illustrated in Fig. 43 is one of the 
best patterns, is simple and easily constructed, and can be 
adjusted to any sized head. It is made from a long piece 
of cord with a loop or eyelet at one end, and at a certain 
distance from this — from fourteen to sixteen inches — a sec- 
ond loop. The other end of the cord is passed through the 
first loop, so as to make a noose which goes round the neck 




Fig. 43. 
HEAD COLLAR. 



of the foetus; then through the second loop which goes 
round the lower part of the head, and may be made large 
or small. The remaining portion is used for traction. This 
head-collar is held at its upper part by the index-finger and 
thumb, passed into the genital canal or womb, where it Is 
placed on the head of the foetus and the sides applied to the 
cheeks ; the lower portion, which was open, is now closed 
by running the end of the cord through the second loop, 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 189 

by which the head is firmly secured, as in Fig. 43. (Also 
see Fig. 44, which is constructed with a metal runner.) It 
is now ready for traction. 




Fig. 44. 

HEAD COLLAR PLACED ON CALF'S HEAD, THE RIGHT 
FORE-PASTERN BEING ALSO CORDED. 

WIRE EXTRACTOR FOR THE SMALL ANIMALS. 

With the Sow, Bitch, Cat, and sometimes the Ewe, 
cords cannot be passed around the head of the foetus, be- 
cause of the want of space; and on the same grounds for- 
ceps are objectionable. With these animals it is essential 
that the traction force should be applied behind the head. 
Therefore the wire extractor will be a very useful appara- 
tus for this purpose. It consists merely of two very pliable 
copper or brass wires — twisted picture-frame wire has 
been found to answer admirably — but remember any kind 
of wire must be thoroughly cleansed before used — about 
sixteen inches in length, and looped in the middle, so as to 
be applied to the foetus in the following manner : The first 
finger of the left hand being passed into the vagina, serves 
to guide one of the loops towards the summit of and behind 



190 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



the foetal head ; and it then conducts the loop of the other 
wire beneath the head behind the jaw. This done, the two 
wires on each side are twisted by a little machine (Fig. 45) 
composed of a thin rod in a handle, the other end of which 
is thickened and pierced by holes running nearly parallel to 
the stalk. Into these holes the two wires of one side are 




Fig. 45. 
WIRE-EXTRACTOR. 

passed, then the two on the other side into the other ma- 
chine ; the machine on each side is pulled up as close as 
possible to the head of the foetus, and then, each being 
turned round three or four times, the neck is enclosed in a 
kind of noose or collar formed by the two wires (Fig. 46). 
The rods are now withdrawn from the wires and the foetus 




Fig. 46. 
WIRE-EXTRACTOR APPLIED. 

can be extracted by exercising traction (see Traction) on 
the ends of the four wires outside the vulva. By this con- 
trivance, delivery is effected without injury tO' the mother, 
and, unless it is much decomposed, without separating the 
head of the foetus. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 1^1 

TUBE AND NOOSE. 

A much vsimpler and readier apparatus, than the wire 
extractor, is the tube and noose. In some cases it can be 
successfully employed with Sows, Ewes, and Goals ; but it 
is especially adapted to the small Bitch and Cat. 

The tube consists of a tubular piece of round wood, 
from four to six inches long, and half an inch thick. The 




Fig. 47. 
TUBE AND NOOSE. 

noose consists of catgut or wire, either of copper, brass, or 
iron (catgut is preferable), about sixteen inches long; this 
is doubled, passed through the tube to a certain extent, so as 
to form a loop or noose at the end (Fig. 47). When it is 
to be used, the first finger of the left hand carries the loop 
into the vagina of the mother, and slips it behind the head 
of the foetus ; then the two ends of the wire are passed 
through the tube, and this is pushed into the vagina under 




Fig. 48. 
NOOSB FIXED ON THE FOETUS. 

the chin of the foetus ; the operator now tightens and se- 
cures the wire, by giving it a turn around the first finger 
of his right hand, placing his thumb at the end of the tube 
(Fig. 48). A little traction then extracts the foetus, and 
without doing it or the mother the least damage. Even the 
tiniest toy terriers have been extracted alive in this manner, 
when aid was sriven in time. 



192 Oi'.STETRics — Domesticated Animals. 

x°ORTE-CORD OR PASS. 

The arm of the operator may not be sufficiently long" 
to pass cords to the region where they might be most effec- 
tively fixed, or the contractions of the womb paralyze the 
hand of the operator. In such circumstances the porte-cord, 
or pass-cord is of great service. The instrument is of two 
shapes, straight and curved. 

The Straight Porte-cord is usually a rod ol three-eighth 
inch iron, furnished with a wooden handle at one end, and an 




Fig. 49. 
DARREAU'S REPELLER, ARMED WITH A RUNNING NOOSE. 

eyelet or double opening at tlie other to receive the cord. 
It is used to pass the traction cord around the limbs, or the 
neck of the lower jaw. After fixing the traction cord to the 
part, the porte-cord may be removed. And if it is con- 
structed as in Fig. 49, if not removed from the traction cord, 
it may also be most serviceable as a repeller in pushing the 
foetus forward in the womb. Two of these may be used 
at the same time, on two limbs. 

The Curved Porte-cord has its uses in certain cases 
when the straight one cannot be serviceable — as in passing 
a cord round the head or bent neck, thighs, or loins. 




Fig. 50. 

GUNTHER'S CURVED PORTE-CORD AND BLUNT CROCHET 
ARMED WITH A CORD AND RING. 

The curved porte-cord (Fig. 50) is constructed from a 
rod of three-eighth inch iron. One end is curved and furnish- 
with an eyelet through which the traction cord is threaded. 
The other end is provided with a wooden handle. The trac- 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 193 

tion cord to be introduced by the curved porte-cord, has 
only a loop or ring — no noose — at the end of it. The 
curved portion is pushed around the part of the foetus to be 
secured, and the hand, leaving it, is passed to the opposite 
side of the part, where it searches for the loop or ring, 
which, when found, is drawn into the genital canal. The 
porte-cord is then withdrawn, the traction cord remaining 
around the part; the free end of the cord is passed through 
the loop or *-ing, and being pulled at, the limb, neck, body, 
or whatever it may be, is secured in the noose so formed, 
and traction can be directly exerted upon it. 

REPELLER, OR CRUTCH. 

When it is necessary to repel or force the foetus farther 
into the womb, away from the inlet, it must not be forgot- 
ten that the hand and arm are the safest and" most perfect of 
instruments, and should always be preferred — at least at 
first — to the repeller or crutch. For the hand feels the 
parts on which it is placed ; it adapts itself more exactly to 
the surfaces with which it comes in contact; it perceives 
the resistance they ofFer, and warns the operator as to the 
amount of force necessary to effect a certain object ; where- 
as the presence of a hard and rigid instrument increases the 
contractions of the womb, and however well applied it may 
be, it may suddenly glide off ronndecl and slippery surfaces 
and cause serious injury. 

Nevertheless, there may be and often are, occasions 
when the hand cannot accomplish what is necessary in the 
way of retropulsion, and it is then that the repeller is most 
useful ; an assistant can maintain the body of the foetus 
some distance from the pelvis bv this instrument, while the 
hand of the operator is making the necessary rectifications ; 
the operator is therefore much relieved, and to some extent 
he is also exempted from the difficulty and fatigue caused 
by the contractions of the womb. 

The repeller or crutch is constructed of iron, and is 



194 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

between two and three feet in length ; it has a handle at one 
end, and a concave transverse piece, like the head of a 
crutch at the other. This piece may be either solid or joint- 
ed. The jointed repeller (Figs. 51 and 52) is preferable, as 
it can be closed, making it safer and easier to introduce into 
the vagina and womb. The crutch end being carefully 
carried by one hand through the genital canal, towards the 




Fig. 51. 
JOINT REPELLER CLOSED. 

foetus, is applied to the most convenient part of the 
foetus ; while the handle is seized in the other hand, and 
force can be effected either by this hand, the breast of the 
operator, or an assistant. (For Repeller armed with a trac- 
tion cord, see Fig. 49.) 

Retropulsion, or the forcing of the foetus away from 
the inlet or mouth of the womb, should only be effected in 
the intervals between straining ''labour pains" ; during these 




Fig. 52. 
JOINT REPELLER OPEN. 

"pains" the foetus should simply be held firmly in place, 
therefore resisting the expulsive efforts. 

While the repeller is being employed, one hand of the 
operator must guide and maintain it against the foetus, to 
prevent it slipping and injuring the maternal organs. Be- 
fore retropulsion it is nearly always necessary to secure 
some part of the foetus — head or limbs — by cords, so that it 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 195 

may be readily seized again and brought into the pelvic 
cavity. Again the attention of the operator is called to 
the fact, that, retropulsion must be effected in the interval 
between the labour pains; while traction must be effected 
during the labour pains. 

CROTCHETS OR HOOKS. 
Crotchets or hooks are iron or steel instruments of varia- 
ble dimensions, more or less curved at one end — which is 




Fig. 58. 
SHORT BLUNT CROCHET. 

blunt, sharp, or pointed — the other end having a ring, or 
eyelet if short, a handle if long. The long crotchet (Figs. 
50 and 55) is from thirty to thirty-six inches in length, and 
acts directly on the foetus without any other appliance in- 
tervening; while the short hooks (Figs. 53 and 54) have 
cords attached to them, or they may fit on the finger of the 




Fig. 54. 
BLUNT FINGER CROTCHET. 

operator by means of a ring (Fig. 54). When using the 
long or short sharp pointed crotchets, the hand must act as 
a guard or shield to prevent the sharp point injuring the 
maternal organs. If the hand is not found sufficient to 
guard the instrument during its introduction, it is advisable 
to fix the point in a piece of cork or soft wood, to which a 
long piece of twine is attached ; when the crochet is requir- 



196 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

ed to be implanted in the foetus, this shield may be removed 
from the point, and withdrawn from the genital organs . 
by pulling at the end of the twine outside the vulva. The 
curve of the sharp crotchet should not be very wide; it 
should not be greater than the hand can cover, as it then 
can be held in a manner that will obviate injury td the op- 
erator as well as to the mother. The curve of the blunt 
crotchet should not be over four inches wide 

The blunt crotchets are more particularly resorted to 
when the fo^us is alive, and it is hoped to extract It be- 
fore it is dead. The finger crotchet may be usefully em- 
ployed when the hand is fatigued or paralyzed by the con- 
tractions of the womb. Blunt crotchets of a much smaller 
size than those required for the larger animals can be most 
successfully employed in delivering the Sow, Ewe, Goat, 
Bitch, or Cat. 



C 



Fig. 55. 
LONG POINTED CROCHET. 



The crotchet affords a simple means of getting hold 
of the foetus in regions of its body which the hand cannot 
possibly reach, or if it did., where it could do very little ser- 
vice either from the shape of the part, its slipperiness, or the 
paralyzing effect of the contractions of the womb on the 
hand and arm of the operator. When it is necessary to 
implant this instrument into the muscular tissue, the sharp 
pointed crotchet is usually resorted to. Wihen blunt 
crotchets are employed in this manner, except in cavities, 
it will be necessary to make an incision through the skin 
before they can be inserted. Crotchets may be implanted in 
the muscular tissues of the croup, thighs, loins, and neck, 
as the skin offers a good amount of resistance. But from 
the fragile and yielding nature of the textures, it must be 
borne in mind that the hand of the operator should nevei 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 197 

leave the crotchet while traction is made on it, and that its 
position must be most attentively noted, in order to guard 
against accidents arising from its tearing away. For should 
the tissues suddenly give way and the crotchet slip into the 
maternal organs, serious, if not fatal, injuries may be in- 
flicted ; or the hand or arm of the operator m'ay be the part 
to suffer. Therefore the necessity that the hand of the op- 
erator diligently guide the crotchet, and note its effects and 
movements ; while, at the same time, he must vigilantly ex- 
ercise his judgment in directing his assistants as to the 
amount and direction of the force they are to use, so as to 
proportion it according to the resistance of the tissues in 
which the crotchet is fixed, and to desist from traction as 
soon as there is a likelihood ' of the instrument breaking 
away or slipping. 

The cavity of the eye affords a good point for implant- 
ing the blunt crotchet, especially if the foetus is dead, as 
does also the angle of the lower jaw, and the ear, on par- 
ticular occasions. But in this, as when implanted into the 
muscular tissue, the crotchet m(ust be carefully watched, 
avoiding the tearing of the tissues of these parts. 

it is astonishing how quickly wounds will heal that 
have been effected in the live foetus by the implanting of 
the crotchet. When the foetus is dead, and especially if 
very much decayed, it is advisable to implant the crotchet at 
a point where it will become fixed beneath some of the 
bones, as this will prevent it from tearing out so easily. 

FORCEPS. 

The Forceps have not vielded much service to the vet- 
erinary obstetrist, except with the smaller animals. The 
Bitch forceps (Fig. 56) has in some cases proved service- 
able with the Ewe, Goat, Sow, Bitch, and Cat. The forceps 
are held in position by one hand, while the other hand or a 
finger of the other hand (according to the size of the ani- 
mal) introduces and guides the instrument, and allows the 



198 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



part of the foetus to be seized to be reached by the opera- 
tor, either with the view of extracting the young creature 
or changing its position, acording to indications. An essen- 
tial which should not be lost sight of in the forceps for 
such small animals as the Bitch and Cat, is that the blades 
should be sufficiently long to seize not only the head, but 
much, if not all the body of the foetus. For as the neck 
of the foetus in these animals is alm^ost as thick as its head, 
unless the blades of the forceps are sufficiently long to 
grasp a portion of its body, the head will slip from between 
the blades. 

With the small animals the head of the foetus is only 




Fig. 56. 
BITCH >?ORCEPS. 

a trifle less than the diameter of the pelvis. Therefore, it 
can be readily seen, that when the blades oi the forceps are 
passed on the head of the foetus, the head and the forceps 
combined constitute a mass greater than the pelvic cavity 
will permit to pass through it; so that delivery becomes im- 
possible. Especially is this the case with the small Bitch 
and Cat, and for this reason recourse to the forceps is sel- 
dom indicated; and if delivery is to be effected, a means 
must be substituted which presents less inconvenience. 
Therefore it is that the Wire Extractor (Figs. 45 and 46) 
or the Tube and Noose (Figs. 47 and 48) are to be preferred 
in nearly all cases. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 199 

TRACTION— THE EMPLOYMENT OF FORCE IN 
DIFFICULT PRTURITION. 

An important (jLiestion to be considered is the employ- 
ment of force in the artificial extraction of the foetus. For, 
as has been shown, more or less energetic traction is very 
frequently needed to remove it from its parent; and those 
who are inexperienced in animal obstetrics, are sometimes 
astonished on hearing of the amount of pulling which the 
foetus has to undergo, and the parent sustain, before deliv- 
ery can be effected in some cases. It is a subject well de- 
serving the attention of the obstetrist, and especially the 
junior practitioner. The indications for traction have been 
given in the preceding subjects, and will not be alluded to 
again. 

When traction is required, if the patient be a Mare or 
Cow, the operator should be supplied with from six to ten 
assistants : one to be placed at the head of the animal, an- 
other holding the rope which confines the limbs of the ani- 
mal and prevents it doing damage, a third to hold the tail, 
a fourth to assist the operator, and the other two or six (ac- 
cording to the amount of traction to be employed) to pull 
at the foetus when necessary. 

In the Mare and Cow. moderate traction consists of the 
t:ombined strength of two or three strong men pulling 
steadily tosrether with all their force. Energetic tractiom 
consists of the combined strength of from three to six 
strong men pulling in the same manner. Moderate traction 
usually is sufficient, if well managed. Energetic traction is 
always dangerous and should not be resorted to unless ab- 
solutely necessary. 

The operator's assistants should be strong, and have 
had some experience in handling animals. Precautions 
should be adopted to prevent accidents — especially to the 
assistants — from the struggles or defensive movements of 
the animal; and when traction is employed, there is great 



200 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

danger of dragging the animal backward and causing ser- 
ious injury. Therefore, it is obvious that it is necessary to 
render the creature immovable by passing cords, bands, or a 
sack behind the thighs and above the hocks, bringing the 
ends against the animal's shoulders, and maintaining them 
there by attaching them to the manger or any other part 
sufficiently strong. A wooden bar placed behind the thighs 
and secured to the stall-posts, is also serviceable ; as is like- 
wise an ordinary harness breeching, the front parts being 
secured to rings in the wall or manger. When the operator 
gives the signal, the assistants should pull together without 
jerking, in a steady and energetic manner, in a straight 
line behind the animal. The direction of the traction may, 
however, be a little downward in the anterior presentation, 
until the withers have passed the inlet. The operator 
stands behind the mother, his hands on the sides of the 
vulva, which he depresses with the border of one Hand, 
while with the back of it he separates the lips of the vulva 
and prevents their being abraded by the traction cord. It 
is better to engage only one shoulder of the foetus at a time, 
if possible ; and when the breast and one shoulder have been 
carried into the passage, then the other shoulder is brought 
forward by directing the assitants to pull a trifle to the op- 
posite side. By acting in this way with care, and by slow, 
though continued efforts while the parent is straining, de- 
livery will be effected, if this be possible bv traction. The 
operator must not act huriedly or bruesquely, and his hand 
should carefully attend the advance of the foetus ; facilitat- 
ing its passage, and aiding the progress of the haunches 
by passing his open hand between them and the maternal 
pelvis. 

In the posterior presentation, when at least one assist- 
ant must be told off to each cord, the traction should be 
moderate, or even gentle at first, until the operator's hand 
has adjusted the foetus as much as possible. In addition, 
the operator, besides directing his assistants, must frequent- 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 201 

ly himself guide the traction by the disengaged hand, and 
personally exert himself in the extraction of the young crea- 
ture — separating the lips of the vulva, and pressing them 
towards the pelvis, wlien they are pushed outwards by the 
advancing foetus; lubricating the foetus and genital canal 
when necessary, with flaxseed tea, etc. 

When powerful traction is required, great attention 
is necessary in guiding the foetus through the genital canal, 
so as to prevent injury to the parent. The traction should 
cease in the intervals between the labour pains, and the ef- 
forts ought not to be continuous ; the animal should be al- 
lowed intervals of rest, and time be given the genital canal 
to dilate and adapt itself to the passage of the foetus. 
Severe and injudicious traction may be productive of the 
most serious results. Even when the operation is nearly 
terminated, care will be required in order to prevent inver- 
sion of the womb. This accident may be obviated by care- 
ful manipulation, and abundant injection of emollient 
fluids, as flaxseed tea, or linseed jelly. 

When energetic traction is required, and it is impos- 
sible to obtain the proper amount of reliable assistants, 
hitching the Horse or Ox to the foetus has been resorted 
to, but this is barbarous and cruel and should never be prac- 
ticed, as it is impossible to obtain the even traction which 
is desired (without jerks) with the power of the Horse or 
Ox; the young creature being simply torn through the ma- 
ternal passage; therefore the obstetric machine (Fig. 57) 
will be of the greatest utility, and operators need not hesi- 
tate to employ it, as this machine has been tested and re- 
ceives the highest praise. Not only can a greater tractile 
force be developed by it, but this force may be diminished 
or increased at will, and as gradually as circumstances may 
require, and without the jerks which are sometimes so 
troublesome and disastrous, when it is impossible to per- 
suade five or six men to pull evenly together. The obstet- 
rical m.achine presses against the hind-quarters of the par- 



202 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



turient animal, and owing to its construction it cannot only 
develop a very energetic extractive force in the gentlest and 
most inoffensive way possible, but itself produces the coun- 
ter-extention in an exactly proportionate degree. 

The principal parts of the machine are: A kind of 
horse-collar (Fig. 57, A) with three stalks (B, C, D) in- 
termediate between this collar, and a broad, fixed, female 
screw (E), which receives a movable screw rod (H), that 
bears a revolving hook and chain ( K) at one end ; the other 




Fig. 57. 
OBSTETRIC MACHINE. z 

end of tKe chain has also a hook to which the cord or cords 
fixed on the foetus are attached. The collar (A) is made 
of several pieces of light wood superposed, and bound to- 
gether by an iron band applied to the opposite surface of 
that which is to be applied to the animal. This band is per- 
forated by three screw holes placed in a triangular posi- 
tion, and which receive the iron stalks. The inner face of 
the collar is so fashioned as to fit closely on the hind parts 
of the animal, the space for the passage of the foetus beings 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 203 

about twenty inches in diameter. The intermediate stalks 
(B, C, D) serve to transmit to the collar the pressure ex- 
ercised by the female screw ; they are about forty inches long, 
and each is composed of two pieces, one of these being 
hollow (4, 5, 6), the other solid (i, 2, 3); consequently, one 
fits into the other, and the end opposite the collar enters 
one of the openings in the flange of the female screw (E) ; 
a small thumb-screw (7, 8, 9) secures the two portions of 
the stalk. The female screw (E) is of iron or copper, the 
fiange being of wood, and its circumference provided with 
two handles to hold it firmly when the machine is in use. 
The male screw (H) is of iron, and screwed to the right; 
one extremity articulates with the turning-hook (I); it is 
screwed in the contrary direction to the principal portion, 
so as not to become unscrewed during the operation ; the 
other end has a four-branched windlass (L), which can be 
removed at will. 

To use the machine, the animal is made to lie; the 
cords are attached to the foetus in the usual manner ; the 
windlass handle is put on its place; the screwed stalk (H) 
is introduced into the female screw to about as far as J; 
the collar is applied to the animal's croup, and the three 
long stalks are fixed — one end in the collar, the other in the 
flange of the female screw. An assistant keeps the machine 
in equilibrium by placing one of his hands on one of the 
forked handles (F, G) of the flange, while the other hand 
rests firmly on the ground. Another assitant, the cord at- 
tached to the foetus being fixed in the hook at the end of 
the chain (K), slowly turns the windlass in such a direc- 
tion as will bring the extremity of the stalk (I) towards the 
flange, while the operator superintends the extraction in the 
same manner as when manual power is employed. Giving 
the same attention and observing the same precautions. If 
it is desired to slightly change the direction of traction, as is 
recommended in some of the presentations, it can be easily 
varied upwards, downwards, or to one side or the other. 



204 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

by having an assistant press against the cord or cords, so as 
to give these the necessary direction. 

With the Ewe, Goat, Sow, Bitch, and Cat, the operator 
himself appHes the needed force, though an assistant is us- 
ually necessary to hold the creature. Generally, very little 
traction can be made because of the danger of tearing the 
foetus in pieces, and what is employed should be gentle and 
sustained ; indeed, the foetus should be held steady, traction 
only made during the expulsive efforts of the mother, and 
then lightly and steadily. 



EMBRYOTOMY. 

EMBRYOTOMY, is the name given to every opera- 
tion which has for its object the reduction in volume of the 
foetus at parturition, by mutilating or dividing it; so as to 
allow it to be extracted by portions when it cannot be deliv- 
ered whole. 

The fact that only one hand can be employed in the 
womb, that this organ is applied close to the foetus Whenr 
the "waters" have escaped for some time, that the mem- 
branes are adhesive and cling to the fingers, and that the 
flaccid tissues of the young creature glide away from the cut- 
ting instrument — as they can only be rendered tense in cer- 
tain circumstances by the cords or crotchets — and as the 
operation must be effected either in the genital canal or m 
the cavity of the womb, the m'anipulation of cutting instru- 
ments in such a confined space by one hand, under all the 
disadvantages of distance from the operator, the struggles 
and paralyzing straining of the mother, and without the aid 
of vision to guide and direct, renders the task peculiarly 
difficult and dangerous. It is sometimes difficult 
to distinguish what belongs to the foetus and what 
to the mother. Such cases should only be attempted by an 
experienced operator; the amateur should never attempt 
embr)^otomy unless he is sure of the part he is about to re- 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 205 

move, as a mistake would undoubtedly prove fatal to the 
mjother. 

Embryotomy may be practiced on the head, limbs, or 
body; but the instruments which are recommended for per- 
forming this operation must be noticed first, as well as the 
preliminary arrangements. 

EMBRYOTOMY INSTRUMENTS. 

The straight embryotome (Fig. 58) and the curved em- 
bryotome (Fig. 59) are good and convenient instruments. 
The hole at the opposite end of the blade in Fig. 59 is ad- 



Fig. 58. 
STRAIGHT EMBRYOTOME. 




Fig. 59. 
CURVED EMBRYOTOME. 

vantageous; as a cord or tape can be passed through the 
hole and tied around the wrist, to prevent the knife slipping 
from the finger and falling into the cavity of the womb. 
Indeed, this is a wise> precaution with all short instruments 
introduced into the genital organs, as the contractions of the 
womb, struggles of the animal, and the position of the hand, 
as well as the slipperiness caused by the presence of mucus,, 
etc., often render the hold of the instrument very insecure. 
The middle finger of the operating hand is passed through 
the ring and the other fingers enclose the blade, which is 



206 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



in this way safely conveyed to the part of the foetus which is 
to be incised. The finger knife is the most useful instru- 
ment in embryotomy. 

After an incision has been made in the skin, the spat- 
ula is used to separate it from the textures beneath. Usual- 
ly this can be accomplished with the fingers, but if the fin- 
gers become fatigued the spatula will be of much service. 

The section of bones, though not frequently, is some- 
times required ; for this purpose chisels, and saws are em- 
ployed. The sharp or cutting edges of these must be 




Fig. 60. 
SPATULA. 



. ULII_LJ_JIWawiillll 



Fig. 61. 
BONE-CHISEL. 




Pig. 62. 
BONE SAW. 

guarded or shielded by the hand when introducing them 
into the genital canal and womb. 

PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR 
EMBRYOTOMY. 

Being satisfied that nothing remains to be done to pre- 
serve the life of the parent but removing the foetus piece- 
meal, the operator has to decide, from the nature of the 
case, how this is to be aflfected ; that is, under the circum- 
stances, which part of the foetus is to be removed first. 

The animal must be detached from the manger or 
rack, and kept, if possible, in a standing attiude ; this posi- 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 207 

tion being the one best suited for such an operation; or it 
may be tied by the head to a stake, by a rather long head- 
rope. A rug or blanket should be passed round the hind- 
quarters, a little above the hocks, the ends being held by 
assistants standing towards the shoulders of the animal. 
This precaution is required to steady the creature, to keep 
it in a standing position, and to assist it in resisting the 
traction generally employed in removing the foetus. It may 
be necessary if the animal is much exhausted, to adminis- 
er several quarts of meal or flour gruel as a stimulant be- 
fore commencing embryotomy. If the animal is suffering 
much pain, administer a dose of hydrate of chloral about 
ten or fifteen minutes before commencing the operation. 

DOSE. — Hydrate of Chloral. — Mare and Cow^, one 
ounce ; Ewe and Sow, one drachm ; Bitch and Cat, five 
grains. Dissolve in water and give as a drench. 

PUNCTURE OF THE CRANIUM, OR SKULL. 
It is sometimes necessary to puncture the cranium in 
order to allow the escape of fluids. Especially Is this neces- 
sary when the head is enlarged from an excessive accumu- 
lation of water or fluid. The puncture may be made by the 
finger-knife, or even the finger in certain cases. The fluid 
having escaped, the thin fragile bones of the cranium read- 
ily collapse from the pressure they undergo in the pelvic 
cavity; so that the head and body can be removed by trac- 
tion. 

AMPUTATION OF THE HEAD. (DECAPITATION.) 
Is an operation which consists In separating the head 
completely from the body, so as to allow these parts to be 
removed one after the other, is not very often required; 
and fortunately so, as It Is not without great danger to the 
parent. More frequently the head Is only partially re- 
moved. 

When wedged in the genital passage, the head may 



208 Obstetrics — Dojviesticated Animals. 

prove a troublesome obstacle to the performance of those 
maneuvers necessary for the reduction or adjustment of 
the other parts ; as it may not be possible either to advance 
or repel it, nor yet to pass the hand between it and the pel- 
vic walls to search for a deviated limb, for example, or to 
bring that limb into a proper position. The passage must, 
therefore, be freed from the obstacle, and this can be ac- 
complished in the' following manner : The fore-limbs, if 
present, are corded (Figs. 42, 44), and pushed as far to- 
wards the womb as possible ; then the head is secured by 
cording the lower jaw, a pointed crotchet fixed into the cav- 
ity of each eye, or a head-collar (Figs. 43, 44) over the head 
if it can be placed, l^our or five assistants now pull at the 
head by these appliances, so as to bring it as near the vulva 
as circumstances will permit; while another assistant keeps 
the lips of the vulva apart, in order to expose as much of 
the head as he can, and prevent injury to the organs of the 
parent. The operator, with a convenient knife (Fig. 59 is 
at this time very useful), incises the skin around the neck — 
first one side, then the other — close to the head, passes his 
fingers between the skin and the muscles beneath, and 
pushes the skin well back on the neck — the assistant pull- 
ing at the head at the sam'e time, facilitates this separation. 
A few cuts now divides the soft tissues down to the spinal 
bone, and nothing more remains to be done than to pro- 
cluce disarticulation by vigorous traction and a twisting 
movement of the head at the same time ; the ligaments grad- 
vially yield and tear, the head extends and at last comes 
away, and the body of the foetus recedes more or less sud- 
denly. If the limbs have been previously secured with cords, 
they are brought into the passage by the cords attached to 
them ; or if they are not so accessible, they must be sought 
for in the wav already indicated under the different presen- 
tations, and delivery completed ; it is very important that 
especial care be taken to cover the exposed bones of the 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 209 

neck by the surplus skin, while the foetus is being brought 
through the passage. 

It is always preferable, if possible, to remove one of 
the fore-limbs, as it is easier, quicker, and less danger- 
ous. But decapitation must sometimes be performed, and 
then the above instructions will be found useful. 

AMPUTATION OF THE LIMBS. 

When the limbs are so deviated that they cannot be 
straightened, or when by their presence in the genital pas- 
sage they prevent the necessary manoeuvres for the adjust- 
mient of other parts of the foetus, then it may be necessary 
to amputate or disarticulate one or more of the extrem- 
ities. 

AMPUTATION OF THE FORE-LIMBS. 

In order to amputate a fore-limb, it must be more or 
less advanced in the vagina, or partially beyond the vulva. 
So that if it is still in the womb, it r!:iust be brought into the 
canal. If both limbs are to be removed, they must be se- 
cured by cords around the pastern in the ordinary manner 
(See Fig. 44), the cord of the one which is to be first am- 
putated being pulled at by two, three, or four assistants, so 
as to draw it as near, or as much beyond, the vulva as pos- 
sible. Another assistant then keeps the lips of the vulva 
v/ide apart, in order to allow the operator more room. A 
circular incision is made above the fetlock — or, better still, 
the knee, taking care not to go deeper than the skin. From 
this incision, gliding his hand into the vagina, along the 
outer side of the limb, the operator makes a longitudinal 
incision, extending higher up as the leg becom'es elongated 
by the traction. 

This longitudinal incision being made, the skin is sep- 
arated from the muscles beneath, either by means of the 
fingers or the spatula (Fig. 60) — pushing the skin up to- 
wards the shoulder as it is detached, until at length, as the 



2i0 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

leg becoraes more stretched, the incision and the detached 
skin are as high as the shoulder. The dissection being then 
deemed sufficient, and the limb being only retained by the 
muscles which attach it to the chest, the operator, either by 
his hand or the crutch (Fig. 51, 52), makes pressure on 
the foetus, while the assistants are ordered to pull ener- 
getically at the cord on the pastern, and in a kind of jerking 
mianner. Soon slight cracking sounds are heard, the mus- 
cles are rupturing and giving way, and in a very ^hort 
time the entire limb- -^shoulder-blade and all — is removed. 

The removal of one limb usually leaves a considc^'able 
space in the genital canal, and this allows delivery to be 
completed. Sometimes, however, and particularly when 
the head of the foetus is deviated towards the flank, it is 
necessary to remove the other limb ; and this, when effected, 
permits the head to be sought for and rectified, etc., accord- 
ing to the requirements of the case. 

With the Sheep and Goat, amputation of the fore-limbs 
of the foetus are very rarely required, though, if necessary, 
it can be effected. The same remark applies to the BitcH 
and Cat. 

AMPUTATION OF THE HIND-LIMBS. 

When the foetus makes a posterior presentation (Fig. 
18), and a hind-limb appears at the vulva, it may be nec- 
essary to amputate this limb ; or with the hind-limbs flexed 
at the hocks (Fig. 33), and so firmly wedged in the canal 
that they cannot be extended backwards, nor yet sufficiently 
bent to permit delivery — which frequently occurs in the 
Mare — these joints m.ust be disarticulated. 

When they are flexed at he hocks, amputation is ac- 
complished by passing a running noose (Fig. 42-A, B) 
round each leg, above the hock, and tying it firmly there. 
Powerful traction (see Traction) made on one of the cords 
by four or five assistants, will bring the point of one of 
the hocks to the vulva, the lips of which are held apart by 



Obstetrics— Domesticated Animals. 2 1 1 

an assistant, while the operator divides the back tendons 
and side Hgaments of the joint,, so as to produce connplete 
disarticulation. The lower leg is then pushed into the va- 
gina, the other limb is amputated in the same way, and 
birth is accomplished by pulling at both cords, which re- 
main attached to the lower end of the leg bone. 

When the limbs are completely retained in the poster- 
ior presentation (Fig. 35), a long incision is made through 
the skin and muscles behind the hip-joint; the hand re- 
moves all the muscles around the upper part of the thigh- 
bone, round which a cord is then fixed (Fig. 36) and pulled 
by two assistants, while the operator cuts through the at- 
taching muscles and ligaments. In this way the jomt is 
disarticulated, and a circular. incision through the skin com- 
pletes the task, as traction will remove the limb. It is to be 
remembered that it is always more difficult to amputate a 
hind-limb than a fore-limb. 

DIVISION OF THE BODY OF TFIE FOETUS.— 

(DETRUNCATION.) 

When one-half of the body of the foetus has more or 

less passed through the pelvic canal, and the other half is 

retained, so that it is impossible to extract or return it, it is 

recommended to cut the trunk in two. 

If the hind-parts are retained, and the head and fore- 
limbs are not mjuch beyond the vulva— if so far— cords 
should be placed on each pastern (Fig. 42, 44), and a head- 
stall (Fig. 43) on the head, and slow, gradual, but strong 
traction exerted on them, so as to expose as much of the 
body of the young creature as possible. This done, the op- 
erator, with a sharp embryotome (Fig. 58), incises the body 
in a circular manner as close to the vulva of the mother as 
is convenient (the lips of the vulva being kept well^ away 
by an assistant)— the incision commencing below, which al- 
lows the elongation of the spine; then the, skin and mus- 
cles on the sides are divided. When the bones of the spine 



212 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

are reached, the embryotome is passed between them, and as 
close to the loins as possible; slight pulling and twisting^ 
will then complete the division. 

It is a good plan to incise the skin at some distance 
in front of the place where it is intended to divide the spine 
or any bone, and to separate and push it back over the por- 
tion of the trunk in, the genital canal. When the division 
is effected, this superfluous skin is pulled over the remaining 
part and sewn together, so as to enclose the exposed bones 
completely, thus preventing injury to the parent. Then vig- 
orous pressure is applied to the divided end of the spine of 
the remaining part, forcing it back within the womb. Now 
the operator can secure the hind-pasterns with cords, and 
delivery can be easily effected. 

REDUCTION OF THE CHEST AND ABDOMEN. 

If the obstacle to delivery is an enlarged chest or ab- 
domen, these parts can be reduced by opening them and re- 
moving the internal organs or viscera. 



ARTIFICIAL PREMATURE BIRTH. 

This is, birth effected, when the foetus has attained such 
a stage of development as to be capable of living, but before 
the period of normal parturition has been reached. Such a 
procedure may be necessary when there is deformity of the 
maternal pelvis, or tumors thereon or therein, or when the 
mother is becoming exhausted from sustaining too many 
foetuses. 

It is estimated that the foetus would be capable of liv- 
ing, and yet notably less in size and weight than when born 
at full term, if removed from the Mare 20 to 40 days be- 
fore that period; from the Cow 15 to 30 days; and from the 
Bitch 10 to 15 days. 

OPERATION.— The operator has merely to dilate 
the neck of the womb, which has already been describe «i 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 213 

in treating of sterility, and rigidity of spasm of the neck of 
the womb, also mechanical dilatation of the womb (which 
see) ; then the "water-bag" is extruded, the womb com- 
mences to contract, the animal also begins to strain, and 
the foetus is expelled. With the smaller animals the sponge 
tent, or a long probe is preferable for dilating the neck of 
.the womb. 

« 

ATTENTION TO THE MOTHER AND OFF-SPRING 
AFTER DIFFICULT PARTURITION. 
The mother and off-spring should receive the same at- 
tention after difficult parturition as they would after nor- 
mal parturition (which see). 

With regard to the young animal, it sometimes receives 
slight wounds which soon heal ; but fractures of bones are 
more serious, and generally necessitate slaughter of the ani- 
mal. If looking healthy, yet cannot get up or stand when 
lifted up, this is in all probability owing to the stram of 
the limbs, and passes off in the course of a few days. 
When apparently dead, though the heart is contracting rap- 
idly and violently, place near the open door, and adminis- 
ter a small quantity of brandy, and respiration will soon 
be established. Sometimes there is much swelling of the 
head, especially of the tongue, which projects from- the 
mouth, making respiration very difficult. Scarification of 
the tongue when in this condition, or leeches applied to it, 
with turpentine or mustard rubbed on the limbs, soon bring 
relief. 

RETENTION OF THE FOETAL MEMBRANES OR 
ENVELOPS AFTER ABORTION, NORMAL, AND 

DIFFICULT PARTURITION—RETENTION 
OF THE AFTER-BIRTH. 

The retention of the foetal envelops, or "after-birth," 
beyond a certain time after the expulsion of the foetus 
from the womb, must be looked upon as serious and re- 
quires attention. 



214 OjiSTETRics — Domesticated Animals. ' 

When parturition has been normal, when the animal 
does not appear to suffer pain or inconvenience, when the 
"straining" is un frequent and slight, the appetite good and 
the secretion of milk established, and particularly when, 
during a low or moderate temperature a portion of the mem- 
branes protrude beyond the vulva, then there is no great 
reason for interference until a week, or even more, has 
elapsed. But if, on the contrary, the external temperature 
is high, if the labour has been difficult, the genital organs 
irritated or abraded, and if fever, restlessness, and suffer- 
ing are noted, with strong and frequent straining, especial- 
ly if there are foul-smelling discharges from the vagina, 
then treatment is called for, no matter whether the time 
which has elapsed since delivery is long or short. 

TREATMENT.— Manual Traction may be employed 
when a portion of the membranes are visible or hanging 
from the vulva. This is seized either by the hands, or by 
m/eans of a > towel, or whisp of hay or straw, and gently 
pulled at — particularly when the animal strains — twisting 
it at the same time, until the whole mass is removed from 
the cavity of the womb. This traction is not likely to be 
productive of much injury to the Mare, Sow, Bitch, or 
Cat, as the adhesion of the after-birth is not great, and is 
usually limited to a few points. With the Cow, Ewe, and 
Goat, however, it is not so, owing to the numerous and 
often strong attachments of the after-birth, and its fragile 
texture, which renders it easily torn if too much force be 
employed; if it does not give way, and the traction is ener- 
getic, then there is risk of irritating the womb, and produc- 
ing partial or complete inversion of the horn of the womb, 
or even of the entire womb. Should the after-birth be torn 
in two by immoderate traction, this may lead to greater 
difficulty in removing what is left of it in the womb. For 
these reasons, some practitioners discountenance this mode 
of removing the after-birth; but there can be no doubt 
that if the traction is moderate and judicious, the mem- 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 215 

branes not very adherent to the interior of the womb, and 
a g-ood part of them beyond the mouth of womb, the opera- 
tion is quite justifiable and will be successful. When, how- 
ever, the resistance is marked, or the membranes begin to 
tear,' it is better to desist, and resort to the same manipula- 
tion' as recommended when the after-birth is completely re- 
tained. 

COMPLETE RETENTION OF THE AFTER- 
BIRTH.— After the birth of the foetus, if nothing what- 
ever is discernible externally, there is reason to surmise 
that the after-birth is completely retained. In this case it 
is advisable, in order to prevent imprisonment for some 
time, through the closure of the mouth of the womb, to in- 
troduce the hand into the womb, and if the after-birth is al- 
ready partially detached, to extract it. If it remains firmly 
adherent, however, it is better to gather as mjuch as can be 
seized into a single mass, carry it through the mouth of the 
womb into the vagina, and tying it there by a long piece of 
cord, to leave the latter hanging outside the vulva. This 
prevents the mouth of the womb closing, while the cord will 
assist in efifecting artificial removal at a later period, should 
such be required. However, by giving the following re- 
cipe, manipulation will seldom- be required : 

Laurel Berries three and two-thirds drachms. 

Aniseed one and two-thirds drachms. 

Bicarbonate of Soda, three and two-thirds drachms.^ 
Make an infusion by pouring two quarts of boiling 
water over these and stirring occasionally until cooled. 

DOSE.— Mare and Cow, one-half of the infusion ; Ewe 
and Sow, one-quarter; Bitch and Cat, one-sixth. Repeat 
the dose in six hours, also on the following day, if neces- 
sary; but, as a rule, the membranes are expelled withm 
twenty-four hours after the last dose has been given. This 
infusion should always be given before resorting to manip- 
ulation and force, as it has rendered excellent service, suc- 
ceeding in 60 per cent, of cases of retention, and is general- 



216 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

ly administered in preference to the recipe that has already 
been alluded to in treatment of Sporadic Abortion. How- 
ever, should the above remedy fail, then direct extraction 
will be necessary. 

Wfhen direct extraction should take place will depend 
upon circumstances previously alluded to, as well as the 
species of animal. With the Mare — an animal peculiarly 
liable to septic infection — direct extraction of the after- 
birth is indicated within two or three hours after delivery, 
if it has not been expelled up to this time. The injection 
of warm water will materially facilitate the operation. With 
the Sow, Bitch, and Cat, it is preferable to await the re- 
sult of the second dose of the foregoing recipe, before re- 
sorting to direct extraction of the after-birth. With the 
Cow, Ewe, and Goat, it will generally be found that direct 
extraction will not be successful before the third day, as in 
these animals the after-births are too closely and firmly at- 
tached to allow their disunion without injurious force, which 
may bring about inversion of the womb, or haemorrhage. 
About the third day (if in the meantime the infusion has 
failed) is generally a favorable period, as the neck of the 
womb is still sufficiently relaxed to pass the hand through 
the mouth of the womb, into the womb without difficulty. 

During the operation of direct extraction of the after- 
birth, an assistant holds the tail of the animal to one side, 
while the well oiled hand and arm of the operator are 
passed into the vagina; if a portion of the membranes is in 
the canal, then the operation will not be so difficult, as the 
mouth of the womb will be more or less relaxed, while the 
membranes will serve as a guide for the hand. When, 
however, nothing of the envelops is to be found outside the 
mouth of the womb, and that opening is firmly closed — as 
happens four or six davs after delivery — then it may be 
vf^rv difficult to reach the interior of the womb. To be en- 
?bVd to accompli'^h this (see Mechanical Means for Dilat- 
ing- the Mouth of the Womb). When the hand reaches the 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 217 

interior of the womb, it is pressed forward between the 
membrane lining the womb and the outer envelop (chorion) 
of the after-birth-— the palm towards the after-birth — sep- 
arating them as it advances. This is not so very difficult 
in the Mare, but with the Ewe, Cow, and Goat, the tedious- 
ness of the operation will be inferred when it is known that 
in these animals there are sometimes more than a hun- 
dred after-births (cotyledons) to be detached. (See Figs. 
7, 8 and 9, and observe difference in formation.) The hand 
must pass from one to another, effecting disunion as rapidly, 
yet carefully, as possible. Some of these — the maternal 
after-births — m)ay be detached from the membranes, while 
others are still imbedded in them, as it were, through their 
foetal after-births. These foetal after-births have to be 
enucleated ; and to effect this, the after-birth is gently 
pressed at its base between the thumb and index finger, and, 
if necessary, the fingers are moved over each other, as if 
removing a button from its buttonhole. At times an after- 
birth will be met with which adhers so firmly that it cannot 
be detached in the way just mentioned. Then the nail of 
the thumb or other finger must be gently insinuated at the 
border, so asi to gradually raise it, and pass the finger over 
the entire surface. The operator is oftentimes so greatly 
fatigued, that the right and left hand have to be employed 
alternately. When a certain number of after-births are de- 
tached, the portion of envelops so released is carried into 
the vagina and beyond the vulva, where the other hand, or 
an assistant, seizes and pulls gently on it. As the bulk of 
this increases by the detachment of more after-births, the 
pulling may cease, and the mass will require to be support- 
ed so as to prevent tearing the membranes, or painful drag- 
ging on the body of the womb. As the hand reaches the 
horn of the womb (Figs. 3 and 4) the after-births increase, 
and it becomes difficult to reach them, because of the insuffi- 
cient length of the arm. Moderate traction, however, on 
the part just detached will bring the others nearer, and facil- 



218 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

itate the task; but the traction must be judiciously man- 
aged, so as tO' avoid tearing the membranes. If there is any 
likeHhood of the membranes tearing, tie them near the vulva 
and cut away the parts beyond, and be content to await 
their natural separation, generally occurring in from two 
to five days. After the removal, or direct extraction of the 
after-birth from any of the domesticated animals, wash out 
the interior of the womb with tepid water, and inject the 
following solution : 

Warm Water one pint. 

Carbolic Acid thirty drops. 

Keeping the the animal in well-lighted and properly 
ventilated quarters, with a blanket over the body if the tem- 
perature is low; a raw linseed oil injection into the rectum, 
if constipation threatens ; and a light laxative diet, with 
"bran, oatmeal, or linseed gruel, are usually all that is nec- 
essary. 

When tTie after-birth has putrefied in the womb, thro'Ugh 
delay in removing it, and an abundant and foul smelling 
discharge flows from the vulva, then the case is serious and 
requires instant attention. The womb must be cleared 
without delay, from its contents, and .in order to accom- 
plish this the hand must be passed into the womb, and 
everything remjoved which it can possibly seize. Before do*' 
ing this, however, the hand and arm should be well and fre- 
quently smeared with carbolized lard, to prevent septic in- 
fection in the operator; if there are wounds or abrasions on 
the hand or arm, the greatest care should be taken in this 
respect — indeed, it is questionable whether they should be 
introduced at all if the skin is not intact. 

When everything has been taken away which the hand 
can remove, then the interior of the womb should be thor- 
oughly cleansed by the continuous injection of tepid water 
from a large bulb syringe (if the tube of the syringe is not 
•of sufBcient length, fasten a rubber tube around the noz- 
zle), until the fluid comes away perfectly clear. Then in- 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 219 

ject a three per cent, solution of permanganate of potash. 
Should the discharge continue, this treatment should be re- 
peated daily until it ceases ; also give small doses of carbolic 
acid. 

DOSE.— CARBOLIC ACID. — Mare and Cow, 15 
grains ; Ewe and Sow, 5 grains ; Bitch, half grain. Dissolve 
and dilute in water and give as a drench twice daily as long 
as necessary. 

The hands and arms of the operator should be thor- 
oughly washed as soon as possible after the womb has been 
emptied ; for this purpose nothing is better than carbolized 
soap. On the slightest sensation of uneasiness in the arm, 
advice should be taken in regard to it, as a breaking out of 
the skin from this cause is often a serious affair, and has 
necessitated the amputation of fingers, and even the greater 
portion of the arm. 



FLOODING AFTER DELIVERY OR AFTER 
ABORTION. POST PARTUM 

HEMORRHAGE. ' 

The symptoms of haemorrhage after abortion or after 
delivery are, as a rule, not very well marked unless the 
blood passes away in fluid or clots, which is not always the 
case. The general symptoms are : The quick, weak, run- 
ning-down pulse, which becomes imperceptible as death ap- 
proaches, and the throbbing, irregular pulsations of the 
heart; rapidly increasing prostration of the animal, with 
the unsteady staggering gait on movement ; haggard expres- 
sion ; with chilliness of the surface, cold clammy perspira- 
tion breaking out over the body ; and, finally, the recumbent 
position, convulsions, and death. 

TREATMENT.— If the after-birth has not been ex- 
pelled, it must be removed without delay — ^}^et as gently 
as possible (see Retention of the After-birth) — ^after which 
the womb will generally contract. If the after-birth has 



220 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

been expelled, then with the hand clear the womb of the 
clots of blood, wash the interior of the womb with cold 
water injections, and, if necessary, introduce a large sponge 
or towel (to which has been tied a long cord, the end of 
which is to remain outside the vulva), saturated with vin- 
egar-and-water, or a 15 percent, solution of perchloride of 
iron, into the vagina, or even into the womb, and allow to 
remain for two or three hours. Should the haemorrhage 
persist, apply mustard plasters to the chest, neck, and limbs 
and give internally the tincture of perchloride of iron. 

DOSE.— TINCTURE PERCHLORIDE OF IRON. 
Mare and Cow, one and one-half ounces; Ewe and Sow, 
twenty drops ; Bitch, ten drops ; Cat, five drops. Dilute in 
water and give as a drench. 



INVERSION— PROLAPSUS OF THE WOMB 
AFTER PARTURITION. 

A displacement or kind of hernia of the womb, which 
is partially or completely turned inside* out. When the in- 
version is partial, nothing whatever is seen externally, and 
an exploration alone reveals the existence of the accident; 
if more developed, the womb appears as a round tumor be- 
tween the hps of the vulva when the animal is lying. When 
inversion is complete, the womb has the form of an enor- 
mous pear-shaped tumor hanging between the hind-limbs, 
and sometimes as low as the hocks. At the very commence- 
ment of this grave accident, the animal is uneasy and anx- 
ious-looking ; it paws with the fore or stamps with the hind- 
feet ; switches the tail as if driving off insects ; lies down 
and gets up frequently, finding no ease in either attitude; 
and strains more or less energetically, thus adding to the 
extruded mass. At first there is no perceptible fever, and 
the animal m.ay even eat. This state is not of long dura- 
tion ; for soon after inversion is complete, indications of 
fever becomes manifest — quickened pulse and respiration. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 221 

and an expression of pain. The straining becomes more 
frequent and energetic; the animal maintains the recum- 
bent position and soon succumbs. 

TREATMENT.— The animal is made to stand if this 
is possible, and the hind-quarters should be raised. If the 
-accident is recent — of an hour or two — the womb may be re- 
turned at once ; but should a longer interval have elapsed, it 
is well to empty the rectum and bladder if they are filled or 
distended. Should the foetal membranes still be adherent 
to the surface of the womb — wholly or partially — *they must 
be carefully removed. Also torn or gangrenous portions of 
mucous membrane are to be removed with the knife or scis- 
sors. This done, the womb should be cleansed from mat- 
ters adhering to its surface — such as litter, miud, dirt, filth, 
or blood — by placing it into a large vessel of cold water, to 
which has been added a tablespoonful of boric acid, allowing 
the organ to remain in it as long as ten minutes. This will 
also help to diminish its size. 

When complete inversion has taken place, one assist- 
ant should be placed at the head of the animal, another at 
each side to steady it. The womb must be placed on a 
cloth or sheet in two or three folds and well moistened, the 
ends being held by two assistants at the croup, so that the 
■organ may be lifted as high as the vulva. Should the ani- 
mal strain very severely and continuously, it is useful to con- 
strain the chest as much as possible by a girth. It may 
even be necessarv to give a draught of chloral. 

DOSE OF CHLORAL.— Mare and Cow, one ounce: 
Ewe and Sow, one drachm ; Bitch and Cat, five grains. 

Now, the best method undoubtedly is, to return first 
the parts of the organ nearest the vulva, and not act direct- 
ly on the body of the womb until the greater portion has 
been replaced in the pelvis. To accomplish this, the opera- 
tor gently presses with open hands at each side on the parts 
close to the vulvar opening, in order to force them gradual- 
ly into it. By acting in this way with care and patience, 



222 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

and preventing, as well as he can, the expulsion of those 
portions he has already reduced, the womb by degrees be- 
comes diminished. After two-thirds or three-fourths of the 
total mass has been carried into the pelvic cavity; for it is 
then more expeditious, and quite as safe, to proceed in the 
same manner as if only partial inversion had occurred ; that 
is, to apply the closed fist to the extremity of the womb, or 
tumor, as it is more properly called, and push it directly in- 
to the vagina and abdomen. In some instances it will be 
found that, towards the termination of reduction, the organ 
itself returns to its normal position, and often quite sud- 
denly, as if it had been thrown forward by a spring. Some- 
times it is m.ost useful to have an assistant pressing on the 
extremity of the womb, while the operator manipulates near 
the vulva. 

At all times great care is necessary in exerting the 
pressure, which should not be applied while the animal is 
straining. During expulsive efforts the operator must be 
content to wait, merely keeping the parts where he has car- 
ried them, until the straining has ceased. The pressure 
must be steady and well directed, so as not to bruise or lac- 
erate the womb. When a portion is got within the vulva, 
it is held there by one hand, while the other manipulates 
the next part to be returned. At this time the pad or the 
cup-shaped pessary (Figs. 63, 64) will aid the operator; 
the round end is applied to the body of the womb, and pres- 
sure is made at the other end of the instrument by the 
chest or abdomen of the operator, whose hands are thus at 
liberty to direct the expelled parts into the vagina. When 
the womb has been returned to the abdominal cavity, should 
straining continue, it is then essential that the hand of the 
operator should explore the interior of the womb, as It 
sometimes happens that one of the horns remains turned in 
Itself to a certain extent, causing renewed straining, and in 
all probability bring about, reinversion. It is generally ad- 
visable to keep the hand in the womb for a short time until 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 223 

the* womb begins to contract freely ; if this is not done, the 
organ may again be come inverted. 

With the smaller animals, replacing the womb is ren- 
dered difficult because of the pelvis not admitting the hand ; 
and with some of them, and particularly the Sow, replacing 
of the prolapsed horn of the womib is often a serious mat- 
ter. The horn must be replaced in the manner already in- 
dicated, the finger, or even a tallow candle, being employed 
to adjust them; then the body of the womb should follow; 
a small pessary with a handle may be used to complete the 
operation. (See pessaries). 

It should be observed that replacement of the womb 
has been effected in large and small animals by elevating the 
hind-quarters until they are almost vertical, the weight of 
the womb, with careful manipulation on the part of the ' 
operator, carrying it down to its normal situation. 

MECHANICAL MEANS FOR THE RETENTION 
OF THE WOMB AFTER IT HAS BEEN REPLACED. 
— After the womb has been properly replaced in the ab- 
dominal cavity, it will be quite necessary to apply some 
means to retain it in position, thereby avoiding reinversion 
of the organ. This precaution must be observed, no matter 
how quickly the animal manifests improvement. 

After slight or PARTIAL INVERSION of the 
WOMB, the pessary is usually all that will be required. 
Either of the following described pessaries will be very 
beneficial for this purpose. The dimensions given will be 
for the Mare and Cow; for the smaller animals they must 
be made in proportion to their size. 

PAD PESSARY (Fig. 63) Is a round piece of wood, 
from twenty to twenty-five inches in length, with a hole in 
one end, through which passes a loop of strong cord six to 
eight inches long ; at the other end is a round pad, three or 
four inches in diameter, composed of tow or rags, covered 
bv a piece of soft cloth or oiled silk, and firmly tied to the 



224 Or'.STETRics — Domesticated Animals. 

stalk by a piece of twine fixed in a small circular grove 
therein. In using this pessary, the pad is placed in oil or 
melted lard until it becomes thoroughly saturated; it is then 



Fig. 63. 
PAD PESSARY. 

carefully introduced into the vagina, placed against the 
neck of the womb, and cords from each side of the loop at 
the other end, attached to a surcingle round the chest, keep 
it firmly in its place. 

RING PESSARY (Fig. 64) is composed of a wooden 
or iron ring, about twO' and one-half inches in diameter, and 
of a strong wooden stem about twenty inches in length,, 
cleft in two as far as the middle, where it is tied by a piece 
(A twine. The ends of the two. branches are firmly tenoned 
in the mortises of the ring; and the other end of the stalk 
(B) is fiat, and passes through the central opening of a 
transverse piece (T T), which is about eight inches long^ 
and has at each end a small block (O O), to prevent the 
cords from slipping off. When required for use, the ring is 
wrapped in a narrow piece of fine linen, which is rolled 
rO'Und it in a uniform manner, so that it may not irritate 
the neck of the womb, with which it has to come in contact. 
This part is well oiled, and being passed through the va- 
gina, is so placed against the womb that the neck of the 
womb will be in the middle of the ring. It is secured by 
means of cords or straps at the end of the transverse por- 
tion, in a similar manner to the pad pessary. 



Obstetrics^Domesticated Animals. 225 

B 




Fig. 64. 
RING PESSARY. 

CUP-ANtD-BALL PESSARY (Fig. 65) is composed 
of a round iron or steel ring (A A), about two and one- 
half inches in diameter; from this arise three stalks (B B B) ; 
these unite about six or seven inches from the ring into a 
single stalk (T T), which is screwed from a little beyond 
this union to the end. On this screwed portion moves a 
transverse piece (C C), by its middle opening or female 
screw (E); this piece has openings (G Gj at its extremities 
in which are to be fastened straps or cords. To use it, the ring 
und the three branches are dipped in melted wax, then 
cooled, and again and again dipped and cooled, until the 



226 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



instrument has acquired a sufficient volume, and the middle 
of the ring is reduced to about one and one-half inches. This 
prevents it injuring the genital organs, when it is to be ap- 
plied exactly in the same maner as the preceding pessary — 
the neck of the wom.b being in the center of the ring. 




T 

Fig. 65. , 

CUP-AND-BALL PESSARY. 

After COMPLETE INVERSION of the WOMB the 
truss is to be adopted and is preferred to any other method 
for the retention of the womb in it^ normal position. 

ROPE TRUSS.— The most useful and readily made 
trusses are composed of light rope or thick cord — some- 
thing like a clothes-line, about thirty feet long, and a leather- 
strap which buckles around the neck. In order to apply the 
bandage, the neck-strap or collar is first to be put on; the 
cord is then to be doubled in equal parts and put across the 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



227 



back, behind the withers, so that each portion may fall be- 
hind the shoulders, to be passed under the chest. In front 
of the chest, the two portions are crossed, the left passing 
to the right and the right to the left. Each side is carried 




Fig. 66. 
LOOP OF ROPE TRUSS WHICH EXTENDS AROUND THE 

VULVA. 

through the collar, and back over the front of the shoulder, 
at the top of which both are tied in a simple knot, so as to 
be easily untied when required. At ten or twelve inches 




Fig. 67. 
ROPE TRUSS APPLIEiD. 

from this, a firmer knot is tied, then several others beyond 
it towards the loins — -according to the length of the animal 



22 S 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



— and at nearly equal distances as far as the root of the 
tail, where a simple knot is tied. The cords are then united 
by a loop in such a manner that an oval space (a, Fig. 66) 
sufficient to admit the vulva, and compress it laterally, is 
formed — the lower angle of the vulva being left free, to 
allow the escape of urine, and discharges from, the womb, 
should there be any. The loop should be wrapped in tow 
or cloth, to prevent chafing to the parts under the tail. The 
cords are now carried between the hind-legs, brought up by 
the flank towards the loins on each side, and tied over the 
back to one of the loops there, as shown in Fig. 67. This 
truss can be made as easy or tigBt as necessary. The sim- 
plicity and usefulness of this truss are to be recommended. 




Fig. 68. 
LEATHER TRUSS' APPLIED. 

LEATHER TRUSS.— A very efficient and useful 
truss is that made of a piece of stout leather, with a round 
opening in it above, corresponding with the anus, and an 
oblong opening beneath this, through which the vulva 
passes. The leather is so shaped as to embrace and lie 
close to the foot of the tail and between the buttocks, ex- 
tending for some distance below the vulva, as in Fig. 68. 
Tt is maintained in position by four long leather straps — two 
above and two below — which pass on each side to a surcingle 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 229 

around the chest, which may again be attached to a collar 
or breast strap, should the straining be violent. 

AFTER TREATMENT.— The animal should stand 
with the hind parts well raised, and it ought not tO' be al- 
lowed to lie down for a day or so. A weak solution of boric 
acid should be injected into the cavity of the womb once a 
day for two or three days. Great attention should be paid 
to the diet: For the first day, only oatmeal gruel with bar- 
ley water — both tepid — should be allowed in small, but fre- 
quent quantities. For some days, easily-digested sloppy 
food should be given, though the quantity should not be 
large at any time until all danger is passed. Should there 
be a tendency to constipation, soap-and-water injections 
mav be administered. 



FALL OR INVERSION OF THE VAGINA AFTER 

PARTURITION. 

Inversion, Prolapsus, or Fall of the Vagina, is a hernia 
of this part through the vulvar opening, analogous to in- 
version of the womb, and with which it may be complicated. 

SYMPTOMS.— The chief symptoms of this accident 
is the presence of a tumor protruding from between the 
lips of the vulva, and which may hang for som^ distance 
below that opening. In this respect it resembles inversion 
of the womb, though the differences are otherwise very 
marked. In the majority of c?ses the tumor is most vol- 
uminous when the animal is Iv^'ng, and can then be best 
examined. It is circular in outline, varies in size from that 
of an apple to the dimensions of a large melon, and is not 
unlike a sausage in shape ; the surface is smooth. 

TREATMENT. — The cleansing, replacing of the 
parts in the cavity, mechanical appliances, and care of the 
animal is the same as that for inversion of the womb 
(which see). 



230 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

RUPTURE OF THE WOMB AFTER PARTU- 
RITION. 

It is somewhat remarkable that laceration or rupture 
of the womb at this time is far from being serious. 

TREATMENT. — Beyond the cleansing of the lacerat- 
ed part with a three per cent, solution of permanganate of 
potassium, little more has to be observed. Some author- 
ities have closed the rent by stitches; but very many have 
not, and the termination has been as favorable in the one 
series of cases as the other. Unless the rupture is on the 
lower wall of the womb, stitches are at least superfluous. 



RUPTURE OF THE VAGINA. 

THE SYMPTOMS of injury to the vagina and neigh- 
boring organs will vary with their nature and extent. Much 
constitutional disturbance is generally only manifested 
when the rupture is serious, or when poisonous infection 
has taken place. Then acute fever, infiltration, and other 
grave symptoms may supervene. 

TREATMENT.— When rupture of the vagina is rec- 
ognized during parturition, delivery should be effected as 
speedily as possible, and with every care, in order to pre- 
vent the laceration extending and the foetus or some part of 
the foetus, passing into it, which undoubtedly would result 
in injury to the adjoining organs. The foetal membranes 
should also be extracted as soon as possible. If there is 
"haemorrhage or bleeding from the vagina, this may be sup- 
pressed by injections of cold water; should this fail to stop 
the bleeding, then a sponge or a cloth soaked in cold water, 
to which has been added a small portion of perchloride of 
iron, shoiHd be placed in the canal. Should there be hernia 
of the bladder or intestines, these must be replaced at once. 

In all cases of wounds, abrasions, or rupture of the 
vagina, every precaution should be observed with a view to 
the prevention of poisonous infection. With this object the 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 231 

greatest cleanliness must be observed, all decomposing mat- 
ters, or those likely to decompose, should, if possible, be 
scrupulously removed, and injections or "swabbings** of a 
three per cent, solution of permanganate of potassium should 
be administered. A solution of carbolic acid (20 drops of 
the acid to one pint of water) will be as serviceable. 



RUPTURE OF THE PERIN.£UM. 

This accident is usually caused by malposition of the 
foetus. The laceration sometimes extends from the upper 
angle of the vulva to the anus, in which case the poor ani- 
mal often presents a painful and repulsive spectacle; the 
dung and flatus escape involuntarily. 

TREATMENT.— If the bleeding is slight, cold water 
may check it ; but if severe, the water must have perchloride 
of iron added to it. The lacerated margins, if much torn, 
must be freed from shreds which are likely to lose, or have 
already lost their vitality. They must then be brought to- 
gether by stitches — either of metal, carbolized silk, or cat- 
gut. Cold-water dressings may then be applied ; or carbol- 
ized glycerine may be employed. The parts must be kept 
as clean as possible, and the animal not disturbed or al- 
lowed to lie down until union has been effected. With this 
object a narrow stall is to be preferred. Raw linseed oil 
should be injected into the rectum twice daily to keep the 
■dung soft. Sloppy food should be given as diet.^ 



INFLAMMATION OF THE VAGINA. 

When this inflammation takes place after parturition 
it is generally due to protracted and laborious delivery. In 
very exceptional instances, it may be due to the action of 
cold on the skin, or drinking of very cold water. It may 
lead to, or be complicated with, ulceration, gangrene, or 
mortification to a greater or less extent. 



232 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

SYMPTOMS.— The lips of the vulva and the lining 
membrane of the vagina are more or less swollen, the latter 
being of a bright-red, brown, or Hvid hue ; urination is gen- 
erally painful and difficult, constipation is often present, and 
there is sometimes much itching in the region of the vulva, 
which is indicated by the continued attempts the animal 
makes to rub that part. When the inflammation has exist- 
ed for one or two days, the mucus secreted by the mem- 
branes is greatly increased in quantity ; it is at first a limpid 
fluid, sometimes streaked with blood; then it gradually be- 
comes thicker and purulent, soiling the tail, thighs, and 
hocks, sometimes causing removal of the hair and irritat- 
ing the skin of those parts. 

TREATMENT. — Cleanliness, attention to diet, and 
injections of cold or tepid water into the vagina, generally 
succeed in subduing the inflammation; if the injections in- 
duce straining they should only be administered in small 
quantity. When, however, there is any tendency to ulcera- 
tion, or even abrasions, carbolic acid should be added to the 
injection in the proportion of 20 drops of the acid to a pint 
of water. 



WHITES (LEUCORRHOEA.) 

Leucorrhoea is chronic inflammation of the vagina. 
When this disease is present there is a loss of condition and 
appetite. There is a white, glutinous discharge, which may 
be odorless or it may be very foul-smelling. Fecundation 
does not take place so readily, and if it does occur, the 
chances are that the full period of pregnancy will not be 
reached. 

TREATMENT.— The treatment will consist of injec- 
tions, the same as recommended in Inflammation of the Va- 
gina (which see). In addition to this it will be necessary 
to tone the condition of the animal with good food, to which 
has been added the following tonic : 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 233 

Milk of Sulphur two ounces. 

Nitrate of Potassium two ounces. 

Foenugreek two ounces. 

Armenian Bole one ounce. 

Powdered Aniseed one ounce. 

Gentian half ounce. 

Ginger half ounce. 

Mix thoroughly, and give once daily mixed in the food 
the following dose: Mare and Cow, one ounce; Sheep and 
Sow, two drachms ; Bitch, half drachm. 

If the discharge continues after two or three weeks* 
treatment, it may be found useful to apply a blister to the 
loins, croup, or thighs. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB (Metritis), 
AND PARtURIENT FEVER. 

Inflammation of the womb, with, or without blood- 
poisoning (parturient septicaemia), may ensue very soon 
after delivery — rarely before the second day with the Cow 
and Ewe, and seldom beyond the eighth day. With the 
Mare, Bitch, Goat, Sow, and Cat it may appear later. 

SYMPTOMS. — Immediately after parturition the ani- 
mal may appear to have quite recovered from the effects of 
tliat act. When simple inflammation of the womb com- 
mences to take place, the vulva becomes swollen, with heat 
and redness of the vagina, fever, straining, difficulty in 
urination, diminution or suppression of the milk secretion, 
poor appetite and dullness. With, and sometimes without, 
treatment, this condition passes off in a few days. 

Should the inflammation increase, which it frequently 
does, and especially if the womb has received any wounds, 
the same symptoms are observable, but more marked. The 
animal grinds its teeth, and betrays the existence of colicky 
pains by lying down and getting up, stamping, striking at 
the belly and turning the head towards the flanks, and mak- 



234 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. • 

ing more or less energetic expulsive efforts. Signs of pain 
or lameness in the hind-limbs become apparent. When the 
womb is more inflamed the larger animals do not lie down, 
because of the increased pain produced by pressure on the 
abdomen, only lying down as death approaches, or when 
the hind-quarters become paralyzed. The smaller animals, 
however, maintain the recumbent position. At first, the 
discharge from the vagina is thin ; then it becomes gradual- 
ly thicker and more abundant. Examination of the vagina 
discovers it to be very hot and sensitive, particularly towards 
the neck of the womb. A very marked symptom is swell- 
ing of the vulva, the lips of which are separated. 

This is a serious disease and frequently terminates in 
death in from two to six days. Therefore, it should receive 
immediate attention as soon as it makes its appearance. 

TREATMENT. — First, remove from the womb and 
vagina any putrid matters they may contain ; then the gen- 
ital canal should be thoroughly cleansed by injections of 
warm water (800 to lOQO Fahr.), and the wounds dressed 
with the following solution: 

Salycilic Acid . one ounce. 

Spirits of Wine • one pint. 

Warm Water one and one-half pints. 

Mix and apply to the wounds by means of a very soft 
brush or feather. 

After the interior of the womb has been cleansed by 
injections of warm water, an injection into the vagina of 
two quarts of warm water to which has been added three 
drachms of carbolic acid should be administered every day,, 
and the wounds, if accessible, dressed at the same time with 
the above solution of salycilic acid. 

The external treatment must be hot fomentations and 
mustard plasters to the surface of the abdomen. The small- 
er animals may have linseed-meal poultices applied. 

Salycilic acid must be administered internally to neu- 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 235 

tralize the action of the poisonous matters in the blood and 
tissues. 

DOSE. — Salycilic" Acid. Mare and Cow, 2 drachms ; 
Ewe, I drachm; sow, one-half drachm; Bitch and Cat, 5 
grains. To be given in water every four hours. The food 
should be of a laxative and sloppy nature. 

The bowels must be kept free by the administration 
of raw linseed oil, either internally or by injection, or both 
if necessary. When recovery is taking place, good food 
and a good tonic must be allowed. (For tonic see Leucorr- 
hoea, or Whites.) 

No' person who has ben handling a creature suffering 
from inflammation of the womb or any decomposing ani- 
mal matter, should be allowed to- assist animals in parturi- 
tion ; and the same rule ought to be observed with regard 
to instruments and obstetrical appliances, unless they have 
been thoroughly cleansed. When a case of this inflam- 
mation occurs where there are other pregnant animals, or 
animals which have quite recently brought forth, these 
should be immediatelv removed. 



MILK FEVER (PARTURIENT APOPLEXY.) 

This disease is seen in all breeds of cattle and general- 
ly attacks Cows which give large quantities of rich milk. 
It is seldom seen during the fiist, second, or third calving, 
period, but usually from that time on, and almost always in 
cows that are highly fed and in good flesh. It usually oc- 
curs within three days after calving, and is very fatal — 
fully one-half of those attacked die. If recovery does re- 
sult great care should be taken at the next time of calving, 
as a recurrence of the attack at that time frequently and 
generally proves fatal. 

SYMPTOMS. — Usually between the first and third 
day after calving, the Cow will stand around, dull and 
stupid; appetite, rumination, and milk will be suspended — 



236 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

oi only a slight flow of milk present; the Cow walks as if 
weak across the back, staggers around shaking her head; 
as the disease advances she falls to the ground, unable to 
rise again. She may rest in a recumbent position with her 
head carried around to her side, or she may lie stretched out 
upon her side, with her head lying upon the ground. Some- 
times the head is shaken viciously from side to side, en- 
dangering those about her and being liable to break off her 
horns. Occasionally, but not often, a few kicks with the 
feet are given. The eyes become glassy and staring, soon 
growing insensible to the touch, with total blindness. Some- 
times the eye-lids will quiver and jerk for some time. The 
pulse, at first full and soft, later on becomes slower and 
feebler, gradually becoming almost imperceptible. The 
breathing, at first almost normal, becomes generally slower,, 
prolonged and difficult; and frequently a rattling sound is 
heard within the wind-pipe. At the commencement of the 
attack, the temperature will range from 103 to 104 degrees 
Fahr., and as the disease progresses will gradually sink to 
3 or 4 degrees below normal. At first the bowels may ap- 
pear loose, but soon become constipated, and the urine is 
usually retained within the bladder. 

TREATMENT. — It is the desire to impress upon the 
reader's mind that to be successful in tne treatment of partur- 
ient apoplexy demands persistent attendance until death 
actually occurs. There have been cases, where the owner con- 
sidered treatment useless and momentarily looked for death, 
make complete recovery. If the patient is seen when the 
pulse is still full and strong, bleed to the amount of six 
quarts ; but if the pulse is weak and the animal down, with 
the eyes. insensible to light, do not bleed. As soon as possible 
give the following physic : 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 237 

Epsom Salt twenty ounces. 

Calomel one drachm. 

Croton Oil twenty drops. 

Warm Beer one-half gallon. 

Mix. 

If the animal has become unconscious, give very slow- 
ly, as it is liable to run down the wind-pipe. Then draw 
away the urine by means of a catheter, or by slipping the 
finger, well oiled, into the neck of the bladder, the urine will 
frequently be passed. Give injections of warm water every 
hour. Constantly apply cloths wrung out of hot water 
over the loins and apply ice-cold water or ice bags to the 
head, as the brain is badly congested. Frequently draw 
away the milk and keep the body and limbs warm, by fric- 
tion and blankets; keep the animal in a position as nearly 
erect as possible, and give the proper amount of the follow- 
ing recipe every two hours until recovery begins, when the 
time should be lengthened: 

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia eight ounces. 

Spirits Nitrous Ether four ounces. 

Tincture Nux Vomica two ounces. 

Tincture Gentian six ounces. 

Mix. 

Give four ounces in a quart of warm beer or water, or 
a half pint of hot whisky every two hours. This may seem 
like heavy dosing with stimulants, but it is the proper thing 
to do. Should the physic operate and the animal beg^n to 
appear conscious of her surroundings, feed on soft and 
sloppy diet, until convalescence has been established. Pre- 
vention is the best and safest treatment for parturient apo 
plcxy. When the animal is known to be a heavy milker and 
is fleshy or plethoric in condition, she should be fed pre- 
vious to calving, on a laxative diet — as linseed cake, braa 
mash, etc. — and but sparingly. The milk should be drawn 
away for ten days previous to calving; immediately after 
calving give the following drench: 



238 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

Epsom Salt twelve ounces. 

Glauber's Salt six ounces. 

Ginger one-half ounce. 

Foenugreek one-half ounce. 

Water one-half gallon. 

Mix. 

If the above directions are foUov^ed parturient apoplexy 
will be prevented. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE UDDER. 

The animal does not at first appear to be much af- 
fected, and the swollen gland or glands are evidently not 
very painful. The skin is tense and shining, though per- 
haps not reddened ; the teat is greatly enlarged, hard, and 
sometimes somev/hat sensitive to manipulation. The deep 
^r tissue of the gland is found to be somewhat harder, and 
towards the teat rather lumpy. With careful and frequent 
milking, and attention to the diet and hygiene, complete re- 
covery may take place in three or four days. If neglected, 
howevei , or mismanaged in treatment, the inflammation may 
become more serious and attack the milk vesicles. Then 
the secretion of milk is greatly diminished in the gland, a^id 
what is withdrawn, contains mucus, pus, and clots. If this 
catarrhal condition is permitted to continue, milk abscesses 
form within the udder; death m!ay result from the absorp- 
tion of this poison into the blood or from gangrene. 

TREATMENT.— However slight the attack or mild 
the form of inflammation of the udder may be, in view of 
the serious consequences which it may entail, treatment 
should be prompt and judicious: as in two or three days 
alterations may be produced in the secretory apparatus of 
the gland which medical skill may be unable tO' amend. 

When the udder or quarter is simply engorged with 
milk, notliing more has to be done than to thoroughly re- 
move this fluid. This,, of course, cannot be accomplished 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 239 

at once, and it may be necessary to milk the animal several 
times rluring the day — five or six times. When this causes 
pain, the milking should be performed gently ; and if pres- 
sure on the teat causes, so much disturbance that the milk 
cannot be withdrawn by hand, then the teat syphon (tig. 
69), will oiled, should be passed into the milk-duct (see 
Fig. 2) ; should it be necessary to retain it there, this can be 
effected by a cord or tape being passed through the rings 
and tied over the animal's loins. In all cases in which hand 
milking causes pain, and is likely to increase the evil it is 
intended to avert, the teat syphon should be resorted to. 




Fig. 69. 
RING TEAT-SYPHON. 

The progeny should only be allowed access tO' the healthy 
quarters of the udder. Applications of Vinegar to the ud- 
der is highly recommended to allay the pain. When the 
pain has diminished, it is generally advisable to allow the 
progeny to withdraw the milk. The animal should not be 
exposed to cold or draughts. 

if lumps or coagula be detected, they must be removed, 
by moving the lumps up and down, when possible, by care- 
ful and gentle pressure. When they can be easily displaced, 
they may then be pushed down to the end of the teat, and 
pressed through. A lump as large as a nut has been ex- 
tracted from the Cow in this manner, Should the lump 
prove to be too large to remove in this way, it may be 
necessary to introduce a sound carefully into the canal, in 
order to break it up. When the mass is very large and 
dense it may be necessary to incise the teat before it can be 
removed. Nothing can equal the success of the following 
lotion to prevent the formation of these lumps in the udder. 
This lotion has obtained more success than any other, ind 



240 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

should be applied to the udder as soon as there are any in- 
dications of inflammation of that organ. Although it will 
be very beneficial if applied any time before the inflamnja- 
tion has attained its greatest intensity: 

Potash one ounce. 

Wlater two ounces. 

Olive Oil five ounces. 

These are to be well mixed, and then four or five ounces 
more water are to be added. Often, after five or six hours, 
during which nothing could be drawn from the teat except 
a small quantity of thin, curdled milk, there is obtained a 
whitish-yellow fluid, more like pus than milk, which is a 
favorable sign. Should abscesses form they must be opened 
in the usual m.anner. Retention of the milk is sometimes 
due to obliteration of the milk canal (which see). 

As a preventive measure when infection, is appre- 
hended — as in retention of the after-birtli, etc. — it is advis- 
able to inject a two and one-half per cent, solution of car- 
bolic acid up the teat by means of a glass syringe, always 
after milking; the solution should be at a temperature of 
95 degrees Fahr. 



ABSENCE OF MILK. (AGALACTIA.) 

Absence of milk is mose frequently met with in the 
Mare and Cow^ In some instances the milk gradually ap- 
pears some time after parturition, but in the majority of 
cases it is either not produced at all, or only in very small 
quantity. This condition is very unfortunate for the prog- 
env, which will suffer from hunger if not observed, and 
must be either artificially reared, or put to another animal 
to be suckled. 

CAUSES. — This mav be due to some chronic disease 
of the udder; but it is generally the result of exhaustion 
following disease ; severe labour ; insufficient food, either 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 241 

during or immediately after pregnancy: natural debility, 
emaciation, etc. 

TREATMENT.— The treatment of this condition fre- 
quently proves unsuccessful. It must chiefly consist in giv- 
ing good food to which has been added the proper quantity 
of the following recipe: 

Powdered Gentian one pound. 

Powdered Aniseed one pound. 

Mix thoroughlv. 

DOSE. — Mare and Cow, two ounces; Ewe and Sow, 
two drachms ; Bitch and Cat, ten grains. Give in the food 
three timfes a day, or mix with water and give as a drench. 
It is well to remember that aniseed or fennel-seed is a great 
stimulant to the secretory functions of the udder. 

The teats should be frequently stripped and the udder 
tubbed with brandy. In a serious case in which the\idder 
was rubbed with brandy, friction applied to the abdomen, 
and warm milk and fennel-seeds administered internally, *m 
two days the milk began to appear. 

DOSE.— Fennel-seeds. — Mare and Cow, one and one- 
half ounces; Ewe and Sow, two drachms; Bitch, fifteen 
grains ; Cat, ten grains. 

CRACKS OR FISSURES IN THE TEATS. 

These should not be neglected, however slight they may 

appear to be. 

TREATMENT.— There is nothing better than clean- 
liness and the application of carbolized glycerine (i to 20) 
for this trouble. The progeny must not be allowed access 
to the teat until it is thoroughly healed. 



OBLITERATION OF THE MILK DUCT. 

If the udder becomes distended immediately before or 
after parturition, but no milk issues from the teat or teats, 
it is an indication of obliteration or obstruction of the milk 
canal. 



242 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

TREATMENT.— If the obstruction is due merely to 
the formation of skin over the opening, a small incision 
should be made in two directions in the skin where the 
opening should be, with a sharp pointed knife or lancet. To 
prevent the wound closing, a small bougie is introduced into 
the canal for four or five days until the wound has healed; 
it should only be taken out at milking-time. If the obstruc- 
tion is immediately within the opening, a fine trocar or 
stocking-needle, previously cleaned in boiling water and 
dipped in carbolic acid solution, must be passed into it and 
through the obstruction, when the milk will flow. If the 
canal is only partly obstructed, and particularly if a wart 
is the cause of the obstruction. Fig. 70 will be very bene- 
ficial in removing the obstruction. This sound is an iron 
wire, having a ring at one end, and at the other a steel cone- 




Pig. 70. 

PERFORATING SOUND. 
Half the Natural Size. 



screwed onto it. This cone has a very sharp point, and 
both sides have cutting edges at the base or widest part. 
It is passed into the opening of the teat, pushed through 
the obstacle, and then gently turned round from side to- 
side until no resistance is felt. Then it is withdrawn, and 
the bougie or teat-syphon (Fig. 69), or a piece of catgut, 
introduced. 

In all cutting operations on the teat, every precaution 
must be adopted for the prevention of inflammation; and 
this chiefly consists in cleasing all instruments in a solution 
of carbolic acid before using them. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 243 



Diseases and .^bneFmaliMes ©I fet^^ 
7©un^ Animal. 



SUFFOCATION (ASPHYXIA) OF THE NEW-BORN 

ANIMAL. 
(See Suspended Animation.) 



BLEEDING FROM THE NAVEL. (UMBILICAL 
HAEMORRHAGE.) 

When the bleeding is trifling and not Hkely to con- 
tinue long, little, if anything, requires to be done ; but when 
it is copious and continuous, active and prompt treatment 
must be adopted, 

TREATMENT.— If the cord is extremely short, alum, 
tannic acid, or the perchloride of iron should be applied to 
the navel. Should these fail the actual cautery must be 
aplied. If, however, the cord is sufficiently long, it is bet- 
ter to tie it with a ligature; this will check the bleeding, 
and the cord will slough away in four or five days. In ap- 
plying the ligature, the operator must be careful not to in- 
clude a portion of the intestine within it, and by squeezing 
the cord with the fingers, as much serum should be got rid 
of as possible. Artificial respiration is required when there 
is suspended animation (which see), and this alone often 
causes the haemorrhage to cease. 



244 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

FLOW OF URINE FROM THE NAVEL— PER- 
SISTENCE OF THE URACHUS. 

The Urachus is a canal which passes through the um- 
bilical or navel ring, and during foetal life communicates with 
the bladder, from which it conveys the urine into the allan- 
toid sac (Fig. 7. Also read Navel Cord). After birth this 
canal is obliterated, its walls^ become a thin cord, and the 
bladder is retracted within the pelvic cavity, the urine the» 
passing through the urethra. 

TREATMENT. — ^In some cases scarcely any treatment 
is necessary, the escape of urine ceasing in a few days after 
birth ; and when treatment is demanded, a cure can gen- 
erally be effected in a short time. 

When the urachus protrudes sufficiently from the um^ 
bilical ring, a ligature may be fastened securely around it. 
If it is too short to be tied by a ligature, it must be secured 
by a curved needle. The animal is thrown on its left side,, 
and the operator, holding the threaded needle in his right 
hand, seizes the urachus — which is covered by the skin — 
between the thumb and index-finger of the left hand, and 
pulls it outwards ; the needle is then passed through behind 
the canal, including as little of the skin as possible, and the 
ends tied. However, before adopting remedial measures, it 
is best to ascertain if the urethra is open. If it is not, an 
opening must be made before the urachus is closed or death 
will result in a few days from retention of the urine. 

In those cases in which the urachus cannot be secured 
by the needle, aplications of sulphate of copper may be suc- 
cessfully employed. In very obstinate cases the actual 
cautery must be employed. 



•NAVEL (UMBILICAL) HERNIA. 

SYMPTOMS.—There is a round tumor situated in the 
region of the navel, varying in size in different individuals 
and species — from, that of a pigeon's egg to a child's head,. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 



245 



or even larger. The size also varies in the same individual 
at different times, according as the digestive organs are 
full or empty, the attitude standing or recumbent, or the 
duration of the hernia — the older it is the larger the tumor. 
It is usually soft, fluctuating, easily depressed by the fin- 
ger, and as readily resuming its ordinary size and shape; 
at first, however, it is often tense and not depressible. 
Sometimes is has a doughy feel and fluctuates much, and at 
other times it is flaccid, according as the portion of intes- 
tines which it contains is empty or filled. On applying the 
open hand against the tumor; the worm-like movements of 
the intestines can be ascertained. 




-y^^^ ) 



Fig. 71. 
TRUSS APPLIED FOR NAVEL (UMBILICAL) HERNIA. 

TREATMENT. — Hernia in young animals often dis- 
appears spontaneously. Especially, does this frequently oc- 
cur, soon after the young animal has been weaned, and its 
diet changed from, milk to other food. This is due lo the 
natural changes which take place in the digestive apparatus 
at this time. 

If the hernia is rapidly increasing or becoming trouble- 
some in any way whatever, it is not advisable to wait until 
weaning time, as by that time the hernia might prove to be 
very serious. Therefore it is always advisable, in a case of 
hernia, to apply a truss before compHcations are manifest. 
Fig. 71 is an exceedingly useful truss, and is easily con- 



246 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

structed and applied. It is constructed of two girths — one 
of which is of canvas webbing, and passes around the 
chest; the other, of India-rubber webbing, goes around the 
belly — at which point it is wider — and maintains a pad 
against the navel. This pad is a wide, but not very thick, 
cushion, stuffed with horsehair. The girth passing around 
the belly is kept in position by the longitudinal bands pass- 
ing from it to the chest girth. Another strap passes from 
around the tail over the back, through the belly girth, to the 
chest girth, where it is attached. The straps and girths 
should be arranged with buckle fastenings so as to allow 
of their being shortened or lengthened to fit the animal. 

Before the truss is applied, it is necessary to place the 
animal on its back, and. with the fingers carefully reduce the 




Fig. 72. 
NAVEL (UMBILICAL) CLAM. 

hernia. When it has all been forced back within the ab- 
dominal cavity, place the pad exactly over the navel and 
adjust the balance of the truss as previously directed. The 
truss should be drawn rather tight, and allowed to remlain 
on the animal for about three months. 

When hernia has not received the proper treatment 
in due time, it frequently becomes very serious. In these 
cases the truss somtimes fails to effect a cure, and the clam 
must be resorted to. The iron screw clam (Fig. 72) is gen- 
erally recommended as being the most useful. One branch 
has a long, deep groove, and into this fits a narrow project- 
ing ridge on the opposite branch. To apply the clam the 
anim.al is placed on its back. The skin over the rupture is 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 247 

drawn together by the fingers in a flat fold, corresponding 
with the central longitudinal line through the abdomen 
(linea alba), and elevated from the parts beneath. The 
clam is then put over the skin, as close to the abdomen as 
possible, and the screws at the end of the clam tighten- 
ed. The pressure must not be too severe, or the parts will 
drop off too soon, and possibly the intestines may escape. 
The operation, therefore, requires to be carefully watched. 

When the hernia cannot be reduced, or if strangulation 
has taken place, then it will be necessary to carefully open 
the sac. Should adhesion Eave taken place between the sac 
and the intestines, this must be broken up ; if the navel ring 
has to be incised ni order to return the membranes, this 
may be effected by a blunt pointed knife. The incision 
should be no longer than is absolutely requisite. 

With regard to the diet : Easily digested food, in small 
quantity and frequently, should be given until the cure is 
effected. 



DROPSICAL SWELLING AROUND THE NAVEL. 
(OEDEMA OF THE UMBILICUS.) 

This is usually produced by laceration of the part dur- 
ing birth, though it may also be caused by one young crea- 
ture sucking and pulling at the remains of the navel cord 
of another. It may also be due to chronic inflammation of 
this part. 

The accident is readily recognized; the swelling is 
often very considerable, and always cold to the touch. It 
often persists a long time in calves, and constitutes a grave 
defect in young bulls, which it mechanically prevents from 
copulating. 

TREATMENT. — Cold applications and compresses 
have been recommended in the way of treatment, as well as 
lotions of arnica, camphorated spirits of wine, preparations 
of iodine, mercury, etc. These often fail, however, and it 



248 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

is generally better to resort to scarifications or leeches at 
once, to be succeeded by hot fomentations. When the 
swelling is chronic and due to a blood clot, open it and re- 
move the clot of blood. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE NAVEL (UMBILICAL) 
CORD (OMPHALITIS.) 

INFLAMMATION OF THE NAVEL (the so-called 
"'navel-ill" of shepherds), is a serious accident, and often 
terminates fatally. It consists essentially in inflammation 
of the umbilical vein, which sooner or later involves the ad- 
joining tissues, and is often followed by suppuration and 
purulent infection (pyaemia), which causes the death of 
the young creature. 

SYMPTOMS. — The inflammation commences soon 
after birth. The remains of the navel cord, in the normal 
condition, quickly dries up and withers, in a few days after 
the young animal is born, ^^^len inflamed, however, the 
part appears to be moist, and projects from the abdomen 
as an enlarged, compact, and hard mass, from, the center of 
which flows a small quantity of thin, unhealthy, purulent- 
looking fluid that soils the surrounding skin. The peculiar 
tap-like appearance of the navel cord, its denisty and high 
temperature, with the discharge therefrom, will lead the 
careful observer to recognize the existence of inflammation 
of the navel cord. 

A probe can be readily passed into the umbilical vein, 
which remains open to a considerable^ extent. The local 
symptoms are often overlooked at the commencement, and 
the first general signs of inflammation of the navel cord 
observed are usually dullness, arched back, indiflPerent to 
the teat and to surrounding objects, persistently lying down, 
fever, and hurried panting respiration when general infec- 
tion takes place, and coagulation of blood in the lungs is 
occurring. As the malady progresses, great prostration is 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 249 

manifest ; there is swelling at the navel, and intense pain on 
manipulation of that region ; the eyes are dull and red, the 
mouth very hot and dry; the pulse is so small and quick as 
to be scarcely perceptible; the 5owels may be constipated 
and the dung scanty, or obstinate diarrhoea may supervene ; 
the urine is greatly diminished in quantity; the mucous 
membranes frequently assume a yellowish tint; soft, fluc- 
tuating swellings, containing a yellow gelatinous fluid, often 
appear on various parts of the body ; the creature refuses to 
suck ; indications of colic or inflammation of the bowels are 
sometimes manifested. After this occurence, in the ma- 
jority of cases, death rapidly ensues. 

Not infrequently the inflamation of the inner memibrane 
of the vein is most intense near the navel opening, and the 
pus, instead of freely escaping, accumulates in the canal to 
such a degree as to form a large swelling at the navel ring, 
which might be mistaken at the first glance for a hernia. 
When this swelling has been opened, about half a pint of 
pus escapes in some instances. 

When a fatal termination does not quickly follow after 
the serious symptoms are manifested, we may have chronic 
morbid conditions of a purulent character set up, which are 
characterized by inflammation of the serous membranes in 
various parts of the body, and particularly of the joints. 
Indeed, it is now recognized by the highest Continental vet- 
erinarians, that the destructive arthritis, or "joint disease" 
of Foals, Calves, and Lambs is attributable to internal In- 
flammation of the navel cord. Inflammation of the joints — > 
especially of the hocks — has often been produced by the in- 
flammation excited through ligaturing the navel cora. 

CAUSES. — The causes are numerous, and may be 
enumerated as follows : The admission of air or foreign mat- 
fers to the interior of the navel vessels ; bruises or injury to 
the navel, either during birth or afterw^ards ; irritation of 
this part, either by the Iftter, manure, or urine; the habit 
which certain females have of licking the navel of thdif 



250 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

progeny, or of young creatures to suck the remains of the 
navel cord of each other; rupture of the cord close to, or 
within the abdomen; improper food given to the mother; 
exposure to cold and wet; over-crowding — it has been ob- 
served that, sometimes, of ten to fifteen young animals born 
within a few days of each other and kept together, half the 
number have become affected with inflammation of the 
navel 

Another principal cause is infection. The discharge 
from one diseased navel may afford sufficient material to 
infect a great many newly-born animals. Not only may 
contamination take place through actual contact with ob- 
jects soiled or impregnated by such infective material — -as 
the secretions from the diseased navel of some young animal, 
the secretions or expelled membranes of an animal that lias 
aborted, or a putrid after-birth which has been retained 
after parturition—but the air itself, or flies, may prove a 
medium for its conveyance to the navel. 

When the remains of the navel cord are once fairly 
dried and shriveled, inflammation is very seldom, if ever, 
witnessed. 

TREATMENT.— PREVENTIVE TREATMENT is 
most important in this malady. Therefore it is well to ob- 
serve the following precautions : Cleanliness is absolutely 
necessary, and the young creature should be protected from 
every possible source of poisonous (septic) infection. The 
danger will be greatly obviated if the extremity of the navel 
cord is dressed immediately after birth with a concentrated 
solution of carbolic acid, which destroys germs, keeps away 
flies, and renders putrid matter innocuous, while it quickly 
shrivels up the cord itself. It all cases caution must be ob- 
served in applying the acid : it is to be applied to the ex- 
tremity of the naval cord only; and not to the parts sur- 
rounding the navel. This preventive treatment is strongly 
to be recommended at all times, but particularly so when 
abortion has recently occurred among some of the animals. 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 251 

CURATIVE TREATMENT.— At the commence- 
ment it should be chiefly local, and the application most 
likely to prove beneficial is a 5 per cent, solution of carbolic 
acid, if the fever runs high, a 5 per cent, solution of sal 
icylic acid is preferable. These to be applied twice or 
thrice daily for the first few days. If the umbilical vein 
is readily accessible, by placing the animal on its back, 
either of the above lotions may be introduced into it (the 
distance of nearly ten inches in the Foal or Calf ; other ani- 
mals according to the proportionate length of this vessel.) ; 
with a fine probe wrapped round with lint. The syringe 
used by some practitioners is not generally approved of, be- 
cause of the danger of injuring the portal vein. 

AVhen the inflammation is very intense, tartarized anti- 
mony ointment should be applied. The ointment is pre- 
pared as the following: 

Tartar Emetic one-half ounce. 

Lard six ounces. 

Mix thoroughly and apply sufficient quantity. 

When there is danger of general infection, or this has 
already occurred, then the internal administration of the 
salicylate of soda must be resorted to. 

DOSE^SALICYLATE OF SODA.— Foal and Calf, 
15 grains Troy; Lamb, 7 grains; Pig, 4 grains; Puppy and 
Kitten, one-half grain. Dissolve in water and give every 
hour. 

Constipation may be averted by castor-oil or a suitable 
diet — skimmed milk alternately with new milk; hot water 
fomentations ought to be applied to the abdomen, and the 
animal should be kept in a clean, cool place. After the oc- 
currence of this inflammation, the quarters occupied by the 
young animal should be thoroughly disinfected in the same 
manner as recomimended in Enzootic Abortion (which see). 



252 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

ARTHRITIS— JOINT DISEASE— JOINT ILL. 

Disease of the joints of young animals, occurring soon 
after birth, has been for a long time recorded in districts 
where breeding is largely carried on. In some years it pre- 
vails very extensively, and appears to be almost enzootic. 

CAUSES. — Some practitioners persist in their belief 
that joint disease is due to the insufficiency of certain in- 
gredients in the mother's milk. But Bollinger's observa- 
tions have been generally accepted. He insists, that the 
lameness or disease of the joints which attacks the young 
animal during the first week after birth, are due to inflam- 
mation of the navel and navel vessels (which see). Bolling- 
er lays great stress on the neglect of the naval cord in newly- 
born animals, and compares this neglect with the scrupu- 
lous attention paid to that of infants, which is severed and 
bandaged immediately after birth ; while the young ani- 
mals have to lie in all kinds of filth, and are thus readily 
exposed to inoculation with poisonous or injurious matters, 
which cannot be excluded even from stables built especially 
for the purpose, and kept thoroughly clean. If the navel 
cord of an infant were exposed to the filth which young ani- 
mals have to lie in, it would be quite as liable to blood- 
poisoning as animals, and to the consequent affection of the 
joints. 

Bollinger contests the influence of food in the produc- 
tion of this diseases, as strong, as well as weak, animals are 
attacked ; it also appears when every kind of diet is given 
to the parent. 

SYMPTOMS. — The principal symptom of this form 
of joint disease, is the extreme difficulty in moving. The 
movements are painfully and reluctantly performed, so 
that the young creature generally persists in lying. Around 
and near the joints there are hot and painful swellings. 
From the very commencement the symptoms are most 
acute, and similar to those of ordinary arthritis in older 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 253 

ahimals ; and they are rendered more marked by the least 
movement, the lameness being then extremely great; gener- 
.ally all the joints are involved. The fever is extreme, the 
respiration hurried, and the visible lining membranes highly 
injected with blood; sometimes, and especially with Lambs, 
the thirst is intense, and the suffering creatur.e will often 
Se observed dragging itself along the ground to reach water 
or the teat of its mother. Frequently there is diarrhoea 
or dysentery, and sometimes a purulent discharge from the 
nose. 

The progress of this disease varies. It sometimes is 
very rapid, death occuring in twenty-four or forty-eight 
"hours, while in other instances the animal may live twenty or 
thirty days, or even longer. Recovery is rare, and death is 
usually the temination. The malady usually ends in suppura- 
tion, which nearly always becomes general, numerous ab- 
scesses forming around the joints, which contains pus ; there 
are also purulent deposits in other regions of the body. Gen- 
erally after the fourth day, when the joints are greatly swol- 
len, the hair falls ofF these parts, and a yellowish or citron- 
colored fluid, then pus, begins to exude through the skin, 
which sloughs away ; the ligaments are also involved in this 
sloughing process, and at last, in some cases, the limb is 
only retained by remains of tendons, the bones being ex- 
posed, and the odor almost insupportable. 

TREATMENT.— As it may be considered that this 
disease is always caused by inflammation of the navel, the 
PREVENTIVE TREATMENT will, therefore, be the 
«ame as for that disease. (See Inflammation of the Navel.) 

CURATIVE TREATMENT.— The treatment, under 
the most favorable circumstances, is very unsatisfactory 
Tinless it is adopted at the very commencement. This treat- 
ment should be the same as that for inflammation of the 
navel (which see). Before the suppuration period, the 
tincture of iodine applied to the Inflamed joints is beneficial. 
When suppuration is established, the abscess should be 

/ 



254 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

opened as soon as it is soft to tfie touch. If much pain is 
evinced, give small doses of Dover's powder. 

DOSE. — Dover's Powder. — Calf and Foal, 20 grains; 
Lamb, 5 grains. 

The following lotion applied to the inflamed parts will 
also allay the pain. 

Fluid Extract of Aconite 40 parts. 

Chloroform Liniment 60 parts. 

Apply externally over the seat of pain. Care must be 
exercised to prevent undue absorption and poisoning. 

The salicylate of soda should be given the same as in 
inflammation of the navel. In addition to this, administer 
cod-liver- oil three times a day in the following doses : 

DOSE. — Cod-liver-oil. — Foal and Calf, 2 drachms ; 
Lamb, one-half drachm. 

It is to be remembered that the mortality of this dis- 
ease is as high as 90 per cent., and even when the life of 
the creature affected with joint disease is preserved, only 
too frequently its health and condition are irretrievably 
impaired. It is also well to remember, that joint disease 
is of the same nature as that which leads to abortion, and is 
capable of producing that accident. Therefore, owing to 
the above reasons, it is advisable when a young animal is 
born with joint disease, to destroy it and burn the body, or 
cover with lime and bury deep. If, however, the young ani- 
mal is suffered to live, it should be separated from preg- 
nant animals before the swellings suppurate or become 
sores. The stables and sheds in which this disease has been 
present should be disinfected the same as recommended in 
Enzootic Abortion (which see). 



INDIGESTION IN YOUNG ANIMALS. 

This is most frequently observed in Calves, especially 
high-bred Calves. The principal cause would appear to be 
too rich milk, or even milk difficult of digestion from its 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 255 

poorness, or it may be due to the allowance of an over- 
quantity of milk. 

SYMPTOMS.— ;The young animal looks dull and de- 
jected, and evinces uneasiness or suffering; the movements 
are torpid; the coat dry and staring; it yawns now and 
again, and there are sharp gaseous eructations which cause 
it to elevate its head. Soon it refuses to suck or partake 
of its food ; there may be vomiting of coagulated milk ; the 
breath has an acid odor, and the tongue is coated with a 
white or greyish fur ; the abdomen is swollen, and pressure 
made towards the upper part of the right side causes pain ; 
and at this period symptoms of colic are often noted. Con- 
stipation or diarrhoea may be present. If diarrhoea is not 
persistent, it is a better indication than when constipation 
exists. Indigestion runs its course rapidly in the young 
animal— in the majority of cases only occupying two, three, 
or four days. It may be considered a serious condition, as 
death often occurs. 

TREATMENT.— PREVENTIVE TREATMENT.— 

Over-repletion with milk should be guarded against, and if 
the animal is being reared artificially, great care must be 
paid to its diet. If at the teat, the food and water of the 
m-other should be attended to, and if the milk is too rich, 
this may be remedied by giving less stimulating food to the 
mother. With Mares which are worked during the suck- 
ing period, the milk is often retained for a long time in the 
tidder, and becomes altered; the Eoal is ravenously hun- 
gry, and when given the opportunity over-gorges itself 
with the unhealthy fluid. The preventive measures are ob- 
vious in such a case. 

The indigestion may be due to an insufficiency of oily 
matters in the milk of the mother; here the diet of the 
mother must be altered. 



256 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

CURATIVE TREATMENT.— In mild cases, a spoon- 
ful of rennet is all that will be required to effect a speedy 
cure. 

When the indigestion is due to acidity of the stomachy 
administer baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) in the follow- 
ing dose: 

DOSE. — Baking Soda. — Foal and Calf, one-half 
drachm; Lamb and Pig, 4 grains; Puppy and Kitten, I 
grain. 

The Soda is to be followed with a mild purgative — 
such as castor oil — even when diarrhoea has set in. If con- 
stipation persists, an injection of soap and water will be 
beneficial. 

Much success has attended the administration, to the 
Calf and Foal, of a spoonful of finely-powdered vegetable 
charcoal, given twice a day, mixed with water, in which an 
egg has been beaten up. 



DIARRHCEA— DYSENTERY IN YOUNG ANI- 
MALS. (DYSENTERIA NEONATORUM.) 

Epizootic abortion and this fatal malady have been 
noted to co-exist, and it has been supposed there is some 
relationship between the two maladies. It generally appears 
within a few days after birth — from the first to the third; 
beyond the fourth day it is. much less frequent. In some in- 
stances the young creatures are affected before they have 
sucked; so that the milk could not have had any influence 
in its production, which is evidence of its infectious nature. 

SYMPTOMS. — This disease usually appears within 
three days after birth. The animals are dull and restless, 
and the bowel movements consist or mucus, or fluid with 
an extremely bad odor. (With the Calf the fluid expelled 
is usually white, and very often streaked with blood.) The 
eyes become sunk in their orbits; the breath has a foetid 
odor; great debility and convulsions set in. Thirst is in- 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 257 

tense ; exhaustion is rapid and the creature cannot rise. To- 
ward the end the creature lies immovable, and dies without 
a struggle in from one to three days ; though in some cases 
death may ensue in a few hours. 

. With allusion to its fatality, it may be said, that from 
50 to 100 per cent, die from this destructive disease. Espe- 
cially is this the percentage with the Calf, and in many out- 
breaks it kills all the Calves in an establishment; if any 
chance to survive an attack, they are sickly and feeble for a 
long time. 

TREATMENT.— As with every other animal malady, 
PREVENTIVE TREATMENT is the most important 
with regard to this dysentery of young animals. Attention 
to hygiene is very necessary at all times, and more so when 
the disease has shown itself in a stable or shed. It is much 
the safer plan, however, to remove all pregnant animals 
from the dwelling in which it has appeared, and the longer 
the interval which elapses between their removaf and the 
occurrence of parturition, so the more likelihood there is of 
their progeny escaping. If moved in three to six weeks 
before parturition, their safety may be fairly assured. The 
stable or shed in which the malady has occurred should be 
well , disinfected, the same as after Enzootic Abortion 
(which see), and, if possible, left imoccupied during the 
grazing season. 

CURATIVE TREATMENT.— This disease has gen- 
erally been considered incurable. But if the medical treat- 
ment is commenced with a slight laxative— such as castor- 
oil— to be followed by the following recipe (which may be 
considered almost a specific) many animals may be saved. 
if the treatment has not been delayed too long : 

Pulverized Rhubarb Root one-half drachm. 

Carbonate of Magnesium fifteen grains. 

Pulverized Opium fifteen grains. 

This is to be given to the Foal or Calf in one ounce of 
whisky — (the dose to be repeated in one hour, and again 



258 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

repeated in twelve hours if necessary. To the Lamb give 
one-third and to the Pig one-sixth of the above dose, and 
repeat in the same manner. Also inject into the rectum 
from three to six drachms (according to the size of the ani- 
mal) of tepid water, to which has been added one grain of 
permanganate of potassium to each drachm! of water. 

If the animal can take food it should be given in small 
quantities, and each meal of milk is to be diluted with about 
one-fourth of lime-water, to prevent the formation of mrd 
m the stomach. In more serious cases, milk should be wiui- 
held, and instead of it may be substituted well-boiled gruel 
made with wheaten flour, or even eggs and beef-tea may be 
administered. The patient should be kept warm and com- 
fortable; warm baths have sometimes proved useful. 



CONSTIPATION— RETENTION OF MECONIUM. 

The contents of the intestines — ^the meconium — ^are 
generally expelled immediately after birth, when the navel 
(umbilical) circulation is first interrupted. WFien the 
meconium is retained much longer it is abnormal; arid 
this, perhaps, occurs more frequently with the Foal than 
other creatures. 

The prolonged retention of the meconium gives rise to 
constipation, and this is often a serious condition. The ani- 
mals in which it occurs are generally weakly, and not well 
developed. 

CAUSES. — Retention of the meconium is usually ob- 
served in animals which are born in February or March, 
and whose dams have been fed exclusively on drj^ fodder 
during the winter ; as this renders the milk deficient in those 
purgative qualities which are so necessary for the new-born 
animal.' 

SYMPTOMS. — One or two days after birth the young 
animal appears to be uneasy, refuses to suck, has spasms, 
makes efforts to expel dung, exhibits symptoms of colic, 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 259 

rolls on the ground, and often looks towards the abdomen; 
the back is arched, urination is suspended, pulse and respir- 
ation are frequent, the eyes are injected with blood, and 
there is grinding of the teeth. Inflammation of the bowels 
sets in, and death takes place in struggles and convulsions. 

TREATMENT.— THE PREVENTIVE TREAT- 
MENT consists in attending to the feeding and condition 
of the pregnant animal some timie before parturition. The 
young creature should be fed on the first milk its parent 
yields ; if this cannot be given, then the animal should have 
a dose of castor-oil. 

DOSE— CASTOR-OIL.— Foal and Calf, one ounce; 
Lamb and Pig, one drachm; Puppy and Kitten, twenty 
drops. 

THE CURATIVE TREATMENT must be directed 
towards removing the meconium, from the intestines. This 
may be eflFected by a soap or oil injection, or previously re- 
moving as much as is acessible to a well-oiled finger. That 
which is beyond reach of the finger can be brought away 
by means of a flexible, but not too weak, noose of v^ire 
(Fig. 47\ The mother should have an abundance of fluid 
to drink, to which should be added the following dose of 
sulphate of soda: 

DOSE.— Sulphate of Soda (Glauber's Salt).— Cow, 
one pound ; Mare, three ounces ; Sheep and Pig, two ounces. 

If the constipation persists in the young animal, ad- 
minister castor-oil. If there is much pain, give the follow- 
ing dose of chlorodyne in a little water: 

DOSE. — Chlorodyne. — IFoal and Calf, fifteen drops ; 
Lamb, eight drops; Pig, five drops; Puppy and Kitten, two 
drops. 

The above treatment will be equally beneficial when- 
ever constipation manifests itself in the young animal up to 
the time of weaning. 



260 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

ECLAMPSIA IN YOUNG ANIMALS. 

This nervous affection has been observed in the Calf, 
Pig, and Dog v^ithin a variable period after birth. 

SYMPTOMS.— The animal appears dull and unsteady 
on its limbs, when soon after it is suddenly and violently 
seized with spasms; all the limbs become rigid, the jaws are 
convulsively champed, and foam flows from the mouth; 
in a few minutes the creature begins to cry loudly and re- 
peatedly, and to perform strange antics — jumping forward, 
and heedless of injury. The eye looks haggard and wild, 
and the respiration is hurried. The animal may die from 
the first or second attack — rarely it survives more than two : 
and if it docs, it lies in a state of extreme lassitude for a 
long time ; then it gradually regains its faculties, and in the 
course of some days is well again ; but for some months 
it does not look thriving, and not infrequently there is a 
renewal of the attacks. 

TREATMENT.— Little can be done for this disease in 
such young animals, beyond attention to the diet of both 
mother and off-spring, and if constipation is present it 
may be combatted by the means already mentioned. (See 
Constipation in Young Animals.) 



SPASMS. (TETANUS AGNORUM.) 

Spasms are frequently witnessed in Lambs, and some- 
times is so prevalent that it is regarded as enzootic. It 
most frequently affects Lambs of the finer breeds, and us- 
ually during the first two or three weeks after birth. 

CAUSES. — In many outbreaks, the Lambs are predis- 
posed to the disease through the improper feeding and 
management of the Ewes. 

SYMPTOMS. — The earliest symptoms are weakness, 
loss of vivacity, and diminished appetite; the limbs become 
stiff and the gait stilty, the back is arched, and the neck 
and legs undergo convulsive contortions, so that there is 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 261 

difficulty in rising or walking. The cramps extend grad- 
ually to other parts of the body, until at last the animal can- 
not move, and to obtain food it has to be carried to the 
mother's teat, where it needs to be supported. Generall};, 
if the animal does not receive attention, it will succumb in 
-about eight or ten days. The fatal termination is some- 
times preceded by grinding of the teeth, diarrhoea, convul- 
sions and complete paralysis. 

TREx\TMENT. — PRVENTIYE TREATMENT 
must be directed to keeping the Ewes in a healthy condi- 
tion by proper feeding, and sheltering them from the 
weather if this be severe at lambing time. The Eambs 
should alsO' be kept from cold winds and wet. 

CURATIVE TREATMENT.— A dose of castor-oil 
should be given at the onset of the disease, and especially 
if there is any reason to apprehend that the meconium is 
retained in the intestines (see Constipation in Young Ani- 
mals). Chlorodyne may be given in live drop doses every 
four hours in a little water. Friction should be applied to 
the limbs, either with or without whiskv. 



IMPERFORATE ANUS. 

This condition is very serious unless surgical aid is 
quickly afforded, and even then the young creatures are not 
always saved. 

This occlusion or imperforation may exist in various 
degree : There may be merely a membrane covering and 
occluding the anal opening; the borders of the anus may be 
adherent to a greater or less extent ; the rectum may be more 
or less absent or incomplete : or it may open into the gen- 
ito-urinary passages instead of the anus. 

SYMPTOMS. — When no dung can be expelled, us- 
ually towards the second or third day after birth, uneasi- 
ness and symptoms of acute colic are manifested ; the ani- 
mal does not suck, the abdomen becomes distended, 



262 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

expulsive efforts and pawing are observed, yet nothing 
passed. The animal shows signs of great pain and misery, 
and if help is not afforded it dies in agony. 

TREATMENT. — If the obstruction is other than a 
simple membrane occluding the anus, but little can be done. 
But when this membrane, which is really the skin, projects 
like a large vesicle, owing to the pressure made upon it by 
the dung, is the obstacle, all that has to be done is to incise 
the mebrane both vertically and transverse; care being 
taken not to allow the knife to pass too deep. No sooner is 
this incision made than the meconium escapes ; then the 
pointed ends of the mem.brane may be clipped off with a 
pair of sharp scissors. The index finger should be intro- 
duced as far as possible into the intestine, to make certain 
that all is right there. The lips of the wound should be lu- 
bricated by a little carbolized vaseline. Should the open- 
ing have a tendency to grow together, a tent may be intro- 
duced into the rectum, and withdrawn every now and again 
in order to allow the dung to be expelled. 



IMPERFORATE VULVA. 

This is frequently observed in new-born animals, and 
is serious, as the urine cannot escape unless it is expelled 
through the urachus by navel opening. 

TREATMENT.- -The lips of the vulva are to be sep- 
arated vertically with a knife, using the same precautions, 
and after treatment as in im.perf orate anus (which see). 



IMPERFORATE PREPUCE OF PENIS. 

This is of unusual occurrence, but does sometimes occur 
in the Foal, causing an obstruction, to the passage of urine, 
which is very serious. 

TREATMENT.— ^An artificial opening is to be made 
in the prepuce, where the natural aperture should be; the 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 263 

lips of the wound should be kept apart and the precautions 
and treatment the same as in Imperforate Anus (which 
see). 

This operation is successful only when the urethral 
canal is open throughout its length ; when it is occluded also, 
the operation will no longer be attended with benefit, and 
the operator must then endeavor to discover where the ob- 
struction is, and either overcome it, or make an opening 
somewhere for the escape of the urine. The point of ob- 
struction can be easily discovered by introducing into the 
penis a very small sound or catheter. On reaching the point 
of obstruction with the instrument, gentle force will usually 
overcome it. The catheter must be well oiled and allowed 
to remain in the canal of the penis for several days, to pre- 
vent the reuniting of the broken tissues. 



OCCLUSION OF THE EYELIDS. 

Occlusion of th eyelids has been witnessed in Foals, 
Calves, and other young animals. Of course, the follow- 
ing treatment is not to be applied in the natural occlusion of 
the eyelids of Puppies, Kittens, and young Rabbits. Acci- 
dental occlusion of the eyelids presents itself in two forms ; 
in one, the margins of the upper and lower eyelids are only 
adherent; and in the other the eyelids are, in addition, ad- 
herent to the eye itself throughout the entire surface. 

TREATMENT —The first mentioned variety is alone 
curable, and in order to disunite the eyelids, the operator, 
after producing local insensibility by the application of co- 
caine, proceeds as follows : Securing the head of the creature 
in the hands of an assistant, the upper eyelid is elevated by 
another assistant by means of a pair of forceps. The oper- 
ator himself seizes the lower Hd with a forceps, and pulls 
it is far as possible from the eyeball beneath ; then, taking a 
small, sharp pair of scissors in his right hand, a small punc- 
ture or notch is to be made between the margins of the eye- 



264 Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 

Hds, in such a manner as not to injure either lid, if possible, 
and much less to wound the eye. The scissors is now pass- 
ed along to separate the lids as far as the inner corner of the 
eye, and then to the outer corner. All that is required after 
the operation, is to apply a very little lard to the borders of 
the lids, using care not to get any into the eye, as it mighj^ 
cau^e inflarrimation of that organ. 



OCCLUSION OF THE EAR. 

When this condition exists, deafness is the consequence, 
as well as dumbness. It is the dumb condition which most 
frequently attracts attention, and leads to the discovery that 
the real defect is deafness. 

TREATMENT. — A small prominent tumor is detected 
in the place of the ear, or where the external auditory canal 
should be. This tumor is rather soft, and can be readily 
seized by forceps, when it may be punctured by a sharp- 
pointed knife, and a vertical, as well as a transverse, incision 
made through it. When the membrane is opened, a quan- 
tity of grey cerumen is found obstructing the canal; this 
can be extruded by pressure, injections of tepid water, or a 
small scoop. To prevent the closure to the canal, a little 
morsel of lint or fine tow is placed in the ear, and retained 
there by a bandage round the head. 

If both ears are affected, one only should be operated 
upon at a time; and, as a rule, it is better to wait until the 
slight inflammation which follows the operation subsides, 
before the other ear undergoes the same treatment. 



' TONGUE-TIE. 

The fraenum linguae is a triangular formed mucous 
membrane of the mouth, and situated between the lower 
part of that cavity and the lower surface of the tongue. 
When the fraenum is too narrow from above to below, 
or if it extends as far forward as the extremity of the ton- 



Obstetrics — Domesticated Animals. 265 

guc, it cramps the tongue's movement, interferes with suck- 
ing and swallowii^g of fluids ; the animal, if drinking out 
of a bucket, vainly plunges its face into the fluid as far as 
the eyes. The teat is seized with difficulty, and the tongue 
is so limited in its movements that it cannot be protruded 
to lick the nostrils. The defect is often unperceived, and 
the young creature loses condition, becomes weak, and 
eventually succumbs. 

TREATMENT. — The treatment is very simple. It 
consists merely in dividing the fraenum to such an extent 
that the organ may recover its liberty of movement. Im- 
mediately after the operation, the creature protrudes its ton- 
gue to lick the blood which escapes from the incision ; it can 
now drink with ease, and the wound will heal in a fewdays 
without any precautions. 



TABLE OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Fig. Page. 

1. The Generative Organs of the Mare 7 

2. Section of Udder of Cow 12 

3. Generative Organs of the Mare: Isolated and Partly 

Opened 15 

4. Womb, Fallopian Tubes, and Horns of the Sheep 18 

5. Ovary Opened Vertically 23 

6. Portion of Ovary cf a Pig 23 

7. Foetal Membranes ol Cow at Mid-term. Womb opened on 

its left side 35 

8. Foetal Membranes of the Goat at Full Time: Twins 36 

9. Foetus of Mare and its Envelops 38 

10. Pregnant Womb of a Multiple-bearing and Single-bearing 

animal 41 

11. Twin Pregnancy: Cow 56 

12'. Impregnating Tube 66 

13. Section of Impregnating Tube 66 

14. Dilator of Neck of the Womb 117 

J 5. Normal Position of the Foetus in the Mare at the First 

Stage of Parturition 118 

16. Normal Position of the Foetus in the Mare at the Second 

Stage of Parturition 120 

17. Normal Position of the Foetus in the Mare at the Third 

Stage of Parturition 122 

38. Posterior Position of the Foetus at the Third Stage of 

Normal Parturition 123 

19. Standing Position of the Cow, in the Act of Parturition. .124 

20. Recumbent Position of the Mare, in the Act of Parturi- 

tion 125 

21. Diameters of the Pelvis 150 

22. Deviation of the Hind-limbs in the Anterior Presentation. 154 

23. Fore-limbs Crossed over the Neck in the Anterior Pre- 

sentation 156 

24. Fore-limbs Flexed at the Knees in the Anterior Presenta- 

tion 157 



Table of Illustrations. 267 

Fig. Page. 

25. Extending the Fore-limbs in the Anterior Presentation. . .158 

26. Anterior Presentation: One Fore-limb Completely Re- 

tained 160 

27. Anterior Presentation: Both Fore-limbs Completely Re- 

tained 161 

28. Anterior Presentation: Downward Deviation of the Head.lbb' 

29. Anterior Presentation : Extreme Downward Deviation of 

the Head 163 

30. Anterior Presentation: Lateral Deviation of the Head 

toward the Shoulder 165 

31. Anterior Presentation: Lateral Deviation of the Head to- 

ward the Abdomen 166 

32. Anterior Presentation: Deviation of the Head Upward 

and Backward 168 

33. Posterior Presentation: Hock 170 

34. Hock Presentation: Hock Corded 173 

35. Thigh and Croup Presentation 174 

36. Thigh and Croup Presentation : Thigh Corded 176 

37. Transverse Presentation 177 

38. Transverse Presentation: Shoulder and Loin Presented. .178 

39. Transverse Presentation: Shoulder and Loin Presented. .179 
40 Transverse Presentation: Brest and Abdomen Presented, 

Head and Feet Engaged 180 

41. Transverse Presentation: Breast and Abdomen Presented, 

Hind-limbs most advanced, Head retained 181 

X. Womb Dilator 184 

42-A. Traction Cord and Band, and the Manner of Applying 

Them 186 

42-B. Traction Cord 186 

43. Head Collar 188 

44. Head Collar placed on Calf's Head, the right Fore-pastern 

being Corded also 189 

45. Wire Extractor 190 

46. Wire-Extractor Applied 190 

47. Tube and Noose 191 

48. Noose Fixed on the Foetus 191 

49. Darreau's Repeller, Armed with a Running Noose 192 

50. Gunther's Curved Porte-Cord and Blunt Crotchet Armed 

with a Cord and Ring 192 

51. Joint Repeller Closed 194 

52. Joint Repeller Open 194 

53. Short Blunt Crotchet or Hook 195 

54. Blunt Finger Crotchet or Hook 195 



268 Tabi.e oj^ Tllustrattons. 

55. Long Pointed Crotchet or Hook 196 

56. Bitch Forceps 19G 

57. Obstetric Machine 202 

58. Straight Bmbryotome 205 

59. Curved Embroyotome 205 

60. Spatula 206 

61. Bone-Chisel 206 

62. Bone Saw 206 

C3. Pad Pessary 224 

64. Ring Pessary 2'25 

65. Cup-and-Ball Pessary 226 

66. Loop of Rope Truss which extends around the vulva. .. .227 

67. Rope Truss Applied 227 

68. Leather Truss Applied 228 

69. Ring Teat-Syphon 239 

70. Perforating Sound 242 

71. Truss Applied for Navel (Umbilical) Hernia 245 

72. Navel (Umbilical) Clam 246 



INDEX. 



A. Page. 

Abdominal explorations or examination 49 

Abnormal rentention of the foetus 85 

Abortion 90 

Abortion, accidental 91 

Abortion, epizootic or enzootic 105 

Abortion, sporadic 91 

Abortion, flooding (haemorrhage) after 219 

Abortion, retention of the after-birth after 213 

Absence of milk 240 

Accidents of pregnancy 79 

After-birth 36 

After-birth, functions of 37 

After-birth, retention of -. . .213 

After-pains 145 

Agalactia, absence of milk 2'40 

Amputation of the fore-limbs of the foetus 209 

Amputation of the head of the foetus 207 

Amputation of the hind-limbs of the foetus 210 

Amputation of the limbs of the foetus 209 

Angles of the vulva ; 7 

Anus, imperforate 261 

Arthritis 252 

Artificial premature birth 212 

Attention to the mother after normal parturition 143 

Attention to the mother after difficult parturition 213 

Attention to the mother during the first two stages of natural 

labour 129 

Attention to the mother during the third stage of natural 

labour 134 

Attention to the off-spring immediately after natural delivery- 
has taken place .137 

Attention to the off-spring after difficult parturition 213 



270 Index. 

B. 

Page. 

Bandages, trusses 223, 245 

Bands 185 

Barrenness 61 

Barrenness in the female 63 

Barrenness in the male 61 

Birth, premature artificial 212 

Bleeding (haemorrhage) from the womb before parturition... 85 

Body of foetus, division of 211 

Breast and abdominal presentation 179 

Broad ligaments 19 

Bulb, the y 

C. 

Causes of death of foetus 133, 

Causes of parturition 114 

Caution to the operator 137 

Chest of foetus, reduction of 112 

Colic during pregnancy 72 

Constipation during pregnancy 71 

Constipation in young animals 258 

Contraction of the womb after normal parturition 147 

Copulation 28 

Cords, ropes, bands 185 

Cornua 19 

Cough during pregnancy 79 

Cracl^s in the teats 241 

Cramp during pregnancy 78 

Crotchets 198 

Crutch 193 

Cup-and-ball pessary 225 

D. 

Death of foetus 132 

Decapitation 207 

Delivery, difficult 148 

Delivery difficult, attention to the mother and off-spring after. 213 
Delivery difficult, from malpiesentations or malpositions of the 

foetus 153 

Delivery difficult, how to make examinations in 148 

Delivery difficult, retention of after-birth after 213 

Delivery, disorders of the mother after 145 

Delivery, flooding (haemorrhage) after v 219 



Index. 271 

Page. 

Delivery, duration of ^^^ 

Delivery, natural ^^^ 

Delivery natural, attention to the mother after 143 

Delivery natural, attention to the off-spring after 137 

Delivery natiiral, how to make examinations in (see examina- 
tions.) 

Delivery natural, necessary aid in 128 

Delivery natural, signs and course of 118 

Delivery, position assumed during 124 

Detruncation • 211 

Development of ovaries and ova SS 

Deviation of the head upwards and backwards 169 

Deviation of the hind-Umbs in the anterior presentation 154 

Division of the body of the foteus 211 

Diarrhoea in young animals 256 

Difficult labor, birth, parturition 148 

Diseases incidental to pregnancy 69 

Disorders of the mother after delivery 145 

Downward deviation of the head, anterior presentation 162 

Dropsical swelling around the navel (umbilical) cord 247 

Dropsical swellings of the legs during pregnancy 72 

Duration of delivery 12« 

Duration of pregnancy 52 

Dysentery 5n young animals 256 

Dystokia 1*^ 

E. 

Bar, occlusion of -264 

Eclampsia in young animals 260 

EJmbryotomy 204 

Etobryotomy instruments 205 

Embryotomy, preliminary arrangements for 206 

Enzootic, Epizootic abortion "^^^ 

Examination, exploration abdominal 49 

Examination, exploration rectal 51 

Elxamination, exploration vaginal 52 

Examinations, how to make successfully 49, 51, 52, 137, 148 

Excessive amount of milk before parturition 79 

EJxcessive waters (hydrops amnii) 73 

External organs of generation *> 

Extractor wire, for small animals -189 

Eyelids, occlusion of 263 



272 Index. 

F. 

Page. 

Fail of vagnia before parturition 79 

Pall or inversion of the vagina after parturition 229 

Fallopian tubes 21 

Fallopian tubes, functions of 22 

Fecundation 28, 33 

Female generative organs 6 

Fissures in the teats 241 

Flooding (haemorrhage) after abortion 219 

Flooding (haemorrhage) after delivery 219 

Foetal membranes, retention of 213 

Foetus, abnormal retention of 85 

Foetus, cause of death of 133 

Foetus, death of 132 

Foetus, mal-presentation or Mal-position of 153 

Fofetus, traction of, or drawing on 134 

Foetus, traction of in twin pregnancy 136 

Foetuses twin, mal-presentations and positions of 183 

Pood for pregnant animals 58 

Forced extraction of: the foetus 199 

Force employment of j in difficult parturition — traction 199 

Forceps 197 

Fore-limbs of foetus, amputation of 209 

Fore-limbs completely retained, anterior presentation 159 

Fore-limbs crossed over the neck, anterior presentation 155 

Fore-limbs flexed at the knees, anterior presentation 157 

Functions of the after-birth 37 

G. 

General care of the young after delivery 139 

Generation 27 

Generative organs, external 6 

Generative organs, female 6 

Generative organs, internal 14 

Gestation 28, 39 

H. 

Halter 188 

Head-collar 188 

Head-cord 188 

Head of foetus, amputation of 207 

Head retained, and with it one or both of the fore-limbs 169 

Heat -50 



Index. 273 

Fage. 

Hind-limbs of foetus, amputation of 210 

Hock presentation 170 

Hooks 198 

Horns of womb 19 

How to make successful examinations in difficult parturition. .148 

Hurried (tumultuous) labour in normal parturition 130 

Hygiene of pregnant animals 57 

I. 

Imperforate anus 261 

Imperforate prepuce of penis 262 

Imperforate vulva 262 

Indigestion 254 

Infectious abortion 105 

Infecundity 61 

Inflammation of the navel (umbilical) cord 248 

Inflammation of the udder 238 

Inflammation of the vagina 231 

Inflammation of the womb (metritis) 233 

Influence of pregnancy on ordinary diseases 68 

Instruments, embryotomy 205 

Instruments for the extraction of the foetus 184 

Internal organs of generation 14 

Inversion of the vagina 229 

Inversion of the womb 220 

J. 

Joint disease 2'52 

Joint-ill 252 

L. 

Labour, natural, normal 113 

Labour natural, attention to the mother during the first two 

stages 129 

Labour, diflicult * 148 

Labour difllicult, how to make examinations in 148 

Labour, hurried (tumultuous) in normal parturition 130 

Labour, natural, normal '. 113 

Labour natural, attention to the mother during the first two 

stages of 129 

Labour natural, attention to the mother during the third stagel34 

Labour natural, expelling powers 115 

I^abour natural, necessary aid in 128 



274 Index. 

Page. 

Labour natural, signs and course of .118 

Labour natural, signs and course of preliminary stage 118 

Labour natural, signs and course of second stage 120 

Labour natural, signs and course of third stage 121 

Labour natural signs and course of the fourth stage 127 

Labour, protracted 131 

Lactation 146 

Lateral deviation of head of foetus to right or left 165 

Leather truss 228 

Leucorrhoea 232 

Limbs of foetus, amputation of 209 

Lips of vulva 6 

Liquor amnii 34 

I ochia 145 

Lochia, to prevent the untimely cessation of 146 

Loss of apetite 70 

M. 

Malpresentations and malpositions of the foetus 153 

Malpresentation of twin foetuses 183 

Mammae 10 

Material signs of pregnancy 47 

Mechanical dilatation of the mouth of the womb 184 

Mechanical means and instruments employed in the extraction 

of the foetus 184 

Mechanical means for the retention of the womb after inver- 
sion 223 

Meconium, retention of 258 

Menstruation 30 

Metritis 233 

Milk, absence of 240 

Milk duct, obliteration of 2"4l 

Milk, excessive amount of before parturition 79 

Milk fever 146, 235 

Miscarriage 90 

Mother, attention to after difficult parturition 213 

Mother, attention to after normal parturition 143 

Mother, attention to during the first two stages of natural 

labor 129 

Mother, attention to during the third stage of natural labour. .134 

Mother, attention to immediately after delivery 137 

Mother, disorders of after delivery 145 

Mouth of the womb 19 

Multiple pregnancy 54 



Index. 275 

N. 

Page. 

Natural birth, delivery, labour, parturition 113 

Natural measurements of the pelvis 150 

Natural parturition, expelling powers 115 

Natural presentation of foetus, anterior 153 

Natural presentation of foetus, posterior 170 

Navel cord, inflammation of 248 

Navel, dropsical swelling around 247 

Navel, rupture (hernia) of ' 244 

Navel-string (umbilical cord) 39 

Necessary aid in normal parturition 128 

Noose and tube 191 

Noose running, and manner of applying 186 

Normal parturition 113 

O. 

Obliteration of the milk duct 241 

Obstetrical physiology 27 

Occlusion of ihe ear 264 

Occlusion of the eyelids 263 

Oedema of the umbilicus 247 

Off-spring, attention to immediately after natural birth 137 

0:ff-spring, attention to immediately after diflScult birth 213 

Omphalitis 248 

Operator the, caution to 137 

Ovaries, the 23 

Ovaries and ova, development of 25 

Oviducts 21 

Ovum 24 

P. 

Pad pessary 223 

Pains, after 145 

Paralysis of the hind-quarters (paraplegia) 75 

Parturient apoplexy 14'), 235 

Parturient fever 233 

Parturition 28 

Parturition, artificial premature 212 

Parturition, difficult 148 

Parturition difficult, atiention to the mother after 213 

Parturition difficult, attention to the off-spring after 213 

Parturition difficult, fiooding (haemorrhage) after • . 219 

Parturition difficult, forced extraction in 199 

Parturition difficult, how to make successful examinations in. 148 



276 Index. 

Page. 

Parturition difficult, retention of the after-birth after 213 

Parturition difficult, twin foetuses in 183 

Parturition, disorders of the mother after 145 

Parturition, duration of 126 

Parturition, fall or inversion of the vagina after 229 

Parturition, inversion or prolapsus of the womb after 220 

Parturition natural, normal 113 

Parturition normal, attention to the mother after 143 

Parturition normal, attention to the mother during first two 

stages of 134 

Parturition normal, attention to the off-spring immediately 

after 137 

Parturition normal, expelling powers 115 

Parturition normal, flooding (haemorrhage) after 219 

Parturition normal, how to make examinations in 148 

Parturition normal, hurried (tumultuous) labour during 130 

Parturition normal, necessary aid in 128 

Parturition normal, retention of the after-birth after 213 

Parturition normal, signs and course of 118 

Parturition normal, signs and course of preliminary stage. . . .118 

Parturition normal, signs and course of second stage 120 

Parturition normal, signs and course of third stage 121 

Parturition normal, signs and course of fourth stage 127 

Parturition, position assumed during .124 

Parturition, rupture of the womb after 230 

Pass 192 

Pathological disturbances incidental to pregnancy 68 

Pathology of pregnancy 68 

Pelvis, natural measurements of 150 

Penis, imperforate prepuce of 262 

Perinaeum, the 9 

Perinaeum, rupture of 231 

Persistance of the urachus 244 

Pessary, cup-and-ball 225 

Pessary, pad 223 

Pessary, ring 224 

Physiology, obstetrical 27 

Pica, loss of appetite 70 

Placenta 36 

Position assumed during delivery .124 

Position of foetuses in multiple pregnancy 55 

Post partum haemorrhage 219 

Porte-cord .192 



Index. 277 

Page. 

Pregnancy 28, 3i) 

Pregnancy, accidents of 79 

Pregnancy, diseases incidental to 69 

Pregnancy, dropsical swellings of the legs during 7'^ 

Pregnancy, duration of 52 

Pregnancy, influence of on ordinary diseases 6K 

Pregnancy, material signs of 47 

Pregnancy, multiple 54 

Pregnancy multiple, position ot foetuses in 55 

Pregnancy, pathology of 68 

Pregnancy, pathological disturbances iiicidenlal to 68 

Pregnancy, rational signs of 45 

Pregnancy, sensible signs of 49 

Pregnancy, si^ns of 4& 

Pregnancy, twin 54 

Pregnant animals, dwellings for 59 

Pregnant animals, food for 58 

Pregnant animals, hygiene of 57 

Pregnant animals, tranquility of 60 

Pregnant animals, water for 5& 

Preliminary arrangements for embryotomy 206 

Presentation anterior, deviation of the head upward and back- 
ward 169 

Presentation anterior, deviation of the hind-limbs 154 

Presentation anterior, downward deviation of the head 162 

Presentation anterior, fore-limbs completely retained 159 

Presentation anterior, fore-limbs crossed over the neck 155 

Presentation anterior, fore-limbs flexed at the knees 157 

Presentation anterior, head retained and with it one or both of 

the fore-limbs 169 

Presentation anterior, lateral deviation of the head to the 

right or left 165 

Presentation anterior, natural 158 

Presentation posterior,- hock 170 

Presentation posterior, natural 170 

Presentation posterior, thigh and croup 174 

Presentation, transverse 177 

Presentation, transverse back, loin and shoulder presented. . .177 

Presentation transverse, breast and adominal 179 

Prolapsus of the vagina before parturition 7& 

Prolapsus of the womb after parturition 220 

Protracted labour during the first two stages of normal par- 
turition 1^1 



278 Index. 

Page. 

Portrusion of the vagina before parturition 79 

Puberity 28 

Puncture of the cranium or skull of foetus .207 

R. 

Rational .signs of pregnancy 45 

Reduction of the abdomen of the foetus 212 

Reduction of the chest of the foetus 212 

Rectal examination or exploration 51 

Repeller or crutch 193 

Reproduction 27 

Retention of the after-birth after abortion 213 

Retention of the after-birth after parturition 213 

Retention of the foetal membranes, or envelops 213 

Retention of 1 he meconium 258 

Rickets and softening of the bones 70 

Ring pessary 224 

Ropes — cords 185 

Rope truss 22*6 

Running noose and manner of applying 186 

Rupture of the navel 244 

Rupture of the perinaeum 231 

Rupture of the vagina 230 

Rupture of the water-bag 134 

Rupture of the womb before parturition 83 

Rupture of the womb before parturition 83 

Rut 30 

S. 

Sensible signs of pregnancy 49 

Signs and course of normal parturition 118 

Signs and course of the preliminary stage of normal parturi- 
tion 118 

Signs and course of second stage of normal parturition 120 

Signs and course of third stage of normal parturition 121 

Signs and course of forth stage of normal parturition 127 

Signs of pregnancy 45 

Skull of foetus, puncture of 207 

Softening of the bones 70 

Spasms in young animals 260 

Sporadic abortion 91 

Sterility 61 

Sterility in the female 63 

Sterility in the male 61 

Suspended animation in the new-born animal 138 



Index. 279 



Suspended life in the new-born animal 138 

Suspensory ligaments It) 

T. 

Teats, cracks and fissures in 241 

Teats, obstruction of (obliteration of the milk duct) 241 

Tetanus agnorum 260 

Thigh and croup presentation 174 

Tongue-tie 2ti4 

Traction cords, ropes, and bands 185, 186, 188 

Traction— employment of force in parturition 195) 

Traction of, or drawing on the foetus 134 

Traction of the foetus in twin pregnancy 136 

Tranquility of pregnant animals 60 

Transverse presentation 177 

Truss, leather 228 

Truss, rope 226 

Tube and noose 191 

Twin foetuses, malpresentation of 183 

Twin pregnancy 54 

Twin pregnancy, natural position of foetuses in 55 

Twin pregnancy, traction of the foetus in 136 

U. 

Udder, the 10 

Udder, functions of 14 

Udder, inflammation of 238 

Udder, modifications of at puberty and before parturition .... 11 

Umbilical cord 39 

Umbilical hernia 244 

Umbilicus, inflammation of 248 

Urachus, persistence of 244 

Uterus 17 

Utricular glands 19 

V. 

Vaginal examinations or explorations 52 

Vagina, fall or inversion of after parturition 229 

Vagina, inflammation of 231 

Vagina, protrusion (prolapsus) of before parturition 79 

Vagina, lupture of 230 

Vagina, the 14 

Vulva 6 

Vulva, imperforate 262 

W. 
Water-bag, rupture of 134 



280 Index. 

Page. 

Waters, excessive 78 

Waters, the (liquor amnii) 34 

Whites '. 232 

Wire extractor lor small animals 189 

Womb, the 17 

Womib, body of 18 

Womb, cavity of ly 

Womb, contraction of after delivery 147 

Womb, bleeding (haemorrhage) from after parturition 219 

Womb, bleeding (haemorrhage) from before parturition 85 

Womb, inflammation of 233 

Womb, inversion or prelapsus of after parturition 220 

Womb, mouth of 19 

Womb, rupture during and after parturition 230 

Womb, rupture of before parturition 83 

Y. 

Young animal, attention to after difficult delivery 213 

Young animal, attention to immediately after natural delivery. 137 

Young animal, arthritis in the 252 

Young animal, asphyxia of 243 

Young animal, constipation in the 258 

Young animal, death of, before delivery 132 

Young animal, diarrhoea, dysentery in the 256 

Young animal, diseases and abnormalities of the 243 

Young animal, eclampsia in the 260 

Young animal, imperforate anus in the 261 

Young animal, imperforate prepuce of penis in the 262 

Young animal, imperforate vulva in the 262 

Young animal, indigestion in the 254 

Young animal, joint disease, joint ill in the 252 

Young animal, navel-bleeding (haemorrhage) from 243 

Young animal, navel-dropsical swelling around 247 

Young animal, navel flow of urine from 244 

Young animal, navel-inflammation of 248 

Young animal, navel-rupture, hernia ot 244 

Young animal, navel-string of the 39 

Young animal, occlusion of the ear 264 

Young animal, occlusion of the eyelids of the 263 

Young animal, retention of the meconium in the 258 

Young animal, spasms in the 258 

Young animal, suffocation of the 243 

Young animal, suspended life — suspended animation in the . . 138 
Young animal, tongue-tie in the 264 



;AR 2 1903 



